Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Test

What is "malt" in beer production?

1. Grains that add bitterness to beer

2. Grains that have been soaked, germinated, and dried

3. A flavoring agent used in brewing

4. The final product after fermentation

The correct answer is: Grains that have been soaked, germinated, and dried

Malt is crucial in beer production as it refers specifically to grains (typically barley) that have undergone a process of soaking in water, allowing them to germinate, and then drying them out in a kiln. This malting process is essential because it activates enzymes within the grains that convert starches into fermentable sugars during the mashing stage of brewing. These sugars then provide the necessary fuel for the yeast during fermentation, ultimately leading to the production of alcohol and increasing the beer's body and mouthfeel. Additionally, malt contributes not only sugars but also various flavors, colors, and aromas to the beer, which are vital components in defining the unique characteristics of different beer styles.