Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Test

What is a "stout"?

1. A light beer with high carbonation

2. A dark beer made using roasted malt or roasted barley

3. A type of lager with additional hops

4. A fruity beer often brewed with spices

The correct answer is: A dark beer made using roasted malt or roasted barley

A stout is accurately characterized as a dark beer made using roasted malt or roasted barley. The roasting process imparts rich flavors, resulting in a deep color and complex taste profile, which often includes notes of coffee, chocolate, or caramel. This brewing method distinguishes stouts from other beer styles, particularly lighter ales and lagers. Understanding the specifics of stout enables one to appreciate its variety, which includes styles like dry stout, oatmeal stout, and imperial stout, each offering unique flavor variations. The key feature of a stout, its dark color and robust flavor derived from roasted grains, highlights why this definition is the correct one.