Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Test

Describe "lacing" on a beer glass.

1. The bubbles that rise when beer is poured

2. The pattern left by foam as it clings to the sides of the glass

3. The thickness of the beer head

4. The amount of foam created when pouring

The correct answer is: The pattern left by foam as it clings to the sides of the glass

Lacing refers to the pattern that the remaining foam creates as it clings to the sides of a glass after drinking. This effect is generally observed when beer is poured, and it can vary significantly between different styles of beer, glass types, and overall serving techniques. The presence and quality of lacing can indicate the beer's alcohol content, carbonation level, and the way it was poured. Beers with higher proteins from malts or hops are often more likely to create good lacing, contributing to the visual appeal of the drink. Understanding lacing helps beer servers assess the beer's characteristics and improve the customer’s experience through knowledge of how the beer interacts with glassware.