Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Test

What is the term for the liquid extracted from malted grains before fermentation?

1. Wort

2. Beer

3. Mash

4. Grain liquor

The correct answer is: Wort

The term for the liquid extracted from malted grains before fermentation is wort. During the brewing process, malted grains are mixed with water and heated, a process known as mashing. This process converts the starches in the grains into fermentable sugars. After mashing, the mixture is then separated, and the resulting liquid is known as wort. Wort is crucial as it contains the sugars that yeast will later ferment to produce alcohol and carbonation in the beer. At this stage, the wort may also be boiled to add hops, which contribute to the flavor and aroma of the final beer product. Understanding this terminology is vital for comprehending the brewing process, as it lays the foundation for what happens during fermentation and ultimately results in beer.