Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Test

What is the "Schwarzbier" style of beer?

1. A pale ale known for its bitterness

2. A dark lager with smooth body and rich flavors

3. A highly carbonated lager style

4. A fruity beer style with high ABV

The correct answer is: A dark lager with smooth body and rich flavors

Schwarzbier, which translates to "black beer" in German, is characterized as a dark lager that offers a smooth body and rich flavors. It is brewed with roasted malts that impart deep color and complex flavors, often featuring notes of chocolate, coffee, and caramel without overwhelming bitterness. These characteristics create a well-balanced beer that is easy to drink despite its dark appearance. In the context of the other options, a pale ale known for its bitterness does not align with Schwarzbier's profile, as it is distinctly a darker and less bitter beer. A highly carbonated lager style would not accurately describe Schwarzbier, as it tends to have moderate carbonation. Lastly, a fruity beer style with high ABV does not fit, since Schwarzbier typically has a moderate alcohol by volume (ABV) and does not emphasize fruity flavors. Overall, Schwarzbier is best defined by its smoothness and dark, rich flavor, distinguishing it from those other types.