Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Test

What flavors are commonly associated with stout beers?

1. Fruity and floral

2. Spicy and herbal

3. Coffee and chocolate

4. Sour and bitter

The correct answer is: Coffee and chocolate

Stout beers are characterized by rich, deep flavors that often include prominent notes of coffee and chocolate. This is primarily due to the use of roasted malts, which contribute to the beer's dark color and complex flavor profile. The roastiness of the malts can evoke the taste of freshly brewed coffee, and the sweetness from caramelized sugars can add a layer of chocolate flavor. This combination of flavors makes stouts distinctly recognizable and enjoyable to many beer enthusiasts. Fruity and floral notes are more associated with lighter beers, such as IPAs and wheat beers, while spicy and herbal flavors are typically found in certain ales or lagers that use specific types of hops or spices. Sour and bitter notes can occur in certain beer styles, but they do not represent the hallmark characteristics of stouts, which focus more on the roasted flavors. Thus, coffee and chocolate stand out as the defining flavors in stout beers.