Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Exam

Which of the following would be acceptable to observe in a bottle of beer?

1. A Light Beige/Tan Yeast Residue on the Bottom of the Bottle

2. A Ring of Debris Around the Inside of the Neck at the Liquid Level

3. Haze in a Pale Lager

4. White Flakes Swirling in the Bottle

The correct answer is: A Light Beige/Tan Yeast Residue on the Bottom of the Bottle

The presence of light beige or tan yeast residue on the bottom of the bottle is an acceptable observation in beer bottles, especially those that are bottle-conditioned. This type of residue is a byproduct of the natural fermentation process, where yeast settles to the bottom after fermentation. In bottle-conditioned beers, yeast is intentionally added during the packaging process to allow for a secondary fermentation, which can enhance flavor and carbonation. Seeing this yeast residue indicates that the beer may have been carefully crafted and is likely to possess complex characteristics. Other observations, such as a ring of debris around the inside of the neck at the liquid level, haze in a pale lager, or white flakes swirling in the bottle, can suggest various issues that are generally not desirable in packaged beer. These can be indicative of contamination, improper storage, or even issues with the brewing process itself.