CFPS Beer Service and Storage 2

Question 1

What is the ideal storage temperature for fresh, hop-forward beers (IPAs, Pale Ales) to best preserve their aromatic hop character?

Accepted Answer

33-38°F (0.5-3°C) near-freezing cold storage

Answer

Hop-forward beers should be kept as cold as possible without freezing, since hop aroma compounds degrade rapidly at warmer temperatures.

Question 2

In what orientation should bottles of beer be stored for maximum quality preservation?

Accepted Answer

Upright, to minimize yeast disturbance and headspace oxidation

Answer

Upright storage minimizes the surface area of beer exposed to the headspace oxygen and keeps sediment settled at the bottom of the bottle.

Question 3

Why should beer not be stored near strong-smelling foods like onions, cheese, or cleaning products?

Accepted Answer

Beer can absorb volatile aromatic compounds through permeable crown caps or corks

Answer

Crown caps and especially corks are not perfectly impermeable; over time, strong-smelling volatile compounds can migrate through and taint stored beer.

Question 4

What temperature range is typically referred to as 'cellar temperature' for storing cellarable beers like barleywines and Imperial Stouts?

Accepted Answer

50-55°F (10-13°C)

Answer

Traditional cellar temperature of 50-55°F allows strong beers to slowly condition and develop complex aged flavors without the rapid degradation that occurs at warmer temperatures.

Question 5

What is the 'beer clean glass' test, and why is it important before serving draft beer?

Accepted Answer

An inspection for residues (oils, detergent, lipstick) that destroy foam head and add off-flavors

Answer

Lipids, detergent residue, and oils destroy CO2 bubbles, collapse foam instantly, and can add off-flavors; a properly cleaned glass shows persistent carbonation bubbles rising from the nucleation point.

CFPS - Certified Cicerone Practice Test

CFPS - Certified Cicerone Practice Test

CFPS Beer Service and Storage 2