Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Test

Which ingredient is primarily responsible for the bitterness in beer?

1. Malted grain

2. Yeast

3. Hops

4. Water

The correct answer is: Hops

The primary ingredient responsible for the bitterness in beer is hops. Hops are the flowers of the hop plant (Humulus lupulus) and contain alpha acids, which are released during the boiling process in brewing. When hops are added to the wort (the liquid extracted from the malted grains), these alpha acids undergo isomerization, developing the characteristic bitter flavors that balance the sweetness from the malt. Hops also contribute to the aroma and flavor profile of beer, which makes them a crucial component beyond just bitterness. Other ingredients like malted grain provide sweetness and body, yeast is responsible for fermentation and flavor development, and water serves as the medium for the brewing process. However, it is the hops that specifically impart the bitterness that many beer styles feature prominently.