Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Exam

The flavor profile associated with American hops is characterized by a variety of bold and distinctive flavors, which include piney, citrus, resiny, and tropical fruit notes. This profile emerges from the unique characteristics of hop varieties developed in the United States, such as Cascade, Centennial, and Citra, which are especially prized for the vibrant and assertive flavors they contribute to beers.

Piney notes often evoke the aroma of pine trees, while citrus flavors typically present themselves as grapefruit or orange. The resinous aspect adds a sticky, sap-like quality that contributes to the beer's mouthfeel and aroma. Additionally, tropical fruit flavors, such as passion fruit and mango, are commonly found in many modern American hop varieties, making them particularly popular in styles like IPAs (India Pale Ales). This combination of flavors gives American hops their distinctive profile, setting them apart from hops from other regions, which may emphasize more herbal or earthy characteristics.

The other choices reflect different flavor profiles found in other types of hops or ingredients in beer but do not represent the typical characteristics of American hops. For instance, floral and perfumy notes may describe certain European noble hops, while nutty and chocolate flavors are more associated with malts than hops.