Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Exam

Why should beer be poured into a glass rather than left in the bottle?

1. For presentation purposes

2. To enhance carbonation

3. To allow aroma to be evaluated

4. To cool the beer faster

The correct answer is: To allow aroma to be evaluated

Pouring beer into a glass plays a crucial role in enhancing the drinking experience, particularly in evaluating the aroma. When beer is left in the bottle, the confined space limits the release of aromatic compounds. Pouring the beer into a glass exposes it to air, which helps volatilize these aroma compounds, allowing the drinker to fully appreciate the range of scents that are often key to the beer's flavor profile. The aroma is an essential aspect of beer tasting, as it can significantly influence perceptions of taste. Many nuances—from fruity esters to spicy phenols—are detectable when the beer is allowed to breathe in a glass, making it easier to identify the specific characteristics of the beer. The other considerations, such as presentation, carbonation, and cooling, while important in their own contexts, do not primarily address the critical aspect of aroma evaluation, which is why pouring the beer into a glass is specifically emphasized in this context.