ABST Product Knowledge 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What distinguishes a lager from an ale in the brewing process?
- Lagers are fermented with bottom-fermenting yeast at cold temperatures (Correct answer)
- Lagers are always darker in color than ales
- Lagers contain more alcohol by volume than ales
- Lagers are brewed without hops
Correct answer: Lagers are fermented with bottom-fermenting yeast at cold temperatures
Lagers use bottom-fermenting yeast (Saccharomyces pastorianus) and ferment at cold temperatures (35–50°F), producing a clean, crisp flavor.
Question 2: Which spirit is the primary base ingredient in a classic Margarita?
- Rum
- Tequila (Correct answer)
- Vodka
- Gin
Correct answer: Tequila
A classic Margarita is made with tequila, triple sec (or orange liqueur), and lime juice.
Question 3: What is the standard serving size for a glass of wine in US alcohol service guidelines?
- 4 oz
- 5 oz (Correct answer)
- 6 oz
- 8 oz
Correct answer: 5 oz
The standard serving size for wine is 5 oz, which contains approximately 0.6 oz of pure alcohol.
Question 4: Bourbon whiskey must be aged in which type of container?
- Used oak barrels
- New charred oak barrels (Correct answer)
- Stainless steel tanks
- Clay amphorae
Correct answer: New charred oak barrels
By US law, bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels, which impart its characteristic color and flavor.
Question 5: What does 'proof' mean when referring to the alcohol content of a spirit?
- The exact percentage of alcohol by volume
- Twice the percentage of alcohol by volume (Correct answer)
- Half the percentage of alcohol by volume
- The number of distillation runs performed
Correct answer: Twice the percentage of alcohol by volume
In the US, proof is exactly twice the ABV percentage, so an 80-proof spirit is 40% alcohol by volume.
Question 6: Which wine is typically served chilled and pairs best with oysters and seafood?
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Chardonnay (Correct answer)
- Zinfandel
Correct answer: Chardonnay
Chardonnay, especially unoaked or lightly oaked varieties, pairs well with seafood and is served chilled at 50–55°F.
Question 7: What is the primary grain used to produce Scotch whisky?
- Corn
- Rye
- Malted barley (Correct answer)
- Wheat
Correct answer: Malted barley
Scotch whisky is primarily made from malted barley, though grain Scotch can use other cereals like wheat or corn.
ABST Product Knowledge 2
What distinguishes a lager from an ale in the brewing process?