Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Exam

Which of the following is primarily a malt-derived flavor?

1. Oxygen

2. Caramel, toasted

3. Piney, resiny

4. Earthy, herbal

The correct answer is: Caramel, toasted

The choice of caramel and toasted flavors as primarily malt-derived is accurate because these flavors stem from the Maillard reaction and caramelization that occur during the malting and roasting processes of grains used in brewing. When malted barley is heated, it develops various compounds that contribute to sweet, nutty, and caramel-like flavors in the final beer. These characteristics are often prominent in styles such as amber ales, brown ales, and various darker beers, where the malt plays a significant role in defining the beer's overall profile. In contrast, flavors like piney and resiny are typically derived from hops, which are responsible for imparting bitterness and aromatic qualities. Earthy and herbal notes can also stem from hops or other ingredients like spices, but do not primarily originate from the malt. Oxygen does not have a flavor that originates from malt but is rather a factor that can affect the quality and aging of beer. Therefore, caramel and toasted flavors are indeed the most closely tied to malt usage in brewing.