Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Test

What is one common beer fault and its cause?

1. Oxidation, caused by incorrect storage

2. Infection, often caused by wild yeast or bacteria

3. Skunky flavor, due to light exposure

4. Flavorless beer, caused by poor fermentation

The correct answer is: Infection, often caused by wild yeast or bacteria

Infection is a common beer fault that typically arises from wild yeast or bacteria contaminating the beer. This unwanted microorganisms can compete with the fermentation yeast, leading to off-flavors and aromas that disrupt the intended flavor profile of the beer. Common signs of infection include sourness, acidic notes, or a general lack of the expected taste, which can result from the introduction of various spoilage organisms environment during brewing or packaging. Understanding this fault is crucial since it highlights the importance of maintaining sanitary conditions throughout the brewing process. Proper cleaning and sanitization of equipment, as well as controlling fermentation conditions, can help prevent infection and ensure a quality final product. Each step of the brewing and packaging process must be managed carefully to avoid introducing any unwanted microorganisms that could spoil the beer or create undesirable flavors.