Cicerone Certified Cicerone® Exam (pdf) | 2026/2027 | Beer
Professional Q&A | Beer Service
1. According to U.S. law, alcoholic beverages must move through a system of
three tiers. What are these tiers and what is the purpose of this system?**
**Answer:**
The three tiers are: **brewers/importers**, **wholesalers** (distributors),
and **retailers**. The purpose of this system is to create a legal separation
between production, distribution, and sale, preventing vertical monopolies
and ensuring proper taxation and regulation. Some states have exceptions
for brewpubs and breweries that sell directly to retailers or consumers.
---
**2. A keg of non-pasteurized draft beer has been stored refrigerated since
delivery. How long can it remain fresh? How does this compare to
pasteurized draft beer?**
**Answer:**
Non-pasteurized draft beer can remain fresh for approximately **45-60
days** when properly refrigerated. Pasteurized draft beer can last **90-120
days**. When not refrigerated, shelf life decreases significantly.
---
**3. A bottle of IPA has been stored at room temperature for 4 months. What
is the most likely change in flavor and why?**
**Answer:**
The hop aromas will have faded, and the beer may taste stale or oxidized.
Hoppy styles like IPA are more susceptible to the effects of time and may
,show flavor changes in as little as 3 months, even when refrigerated. When
not refrigerated, hoppy beers can become noticeably off due to oxidation and
hop aroma degradation.
---
**4. What does the date code "364-14" indicate?**
**Answer:**
"364-14" is a **Julian date code**, indicating the beer was packaged on the
364th day of 2014 (December 30, 2014). Julian/original date codes indicate
the packaging date rather than a best-by date.
---
**5. What is the proper technique for pouring a beer from a bottle into a
glass to achieve an ideal head?**
**Answer:**
The proper pour starts with the glass tilted at approximately **45 degrees**,
pouring slowly down the side. As the glass fills, straighten it to create a
proper head. This technique minimizes excessive foaming while producing an
appropriate head.
---
**6. A customer orders a wheat beer. Which glassware is most appropriate
and why?**
**Answer:**
, A **Weizen glass** (tall, curving) is most appropriate. It is specifically
designed to showcase the tall, fluffy head and effervescence of wheat beers,
and it allows the characteristic banana and clove aromas to concentrate at
the top.
---
**7. What glassware would best showcase an imperial stout?**
**Answer:**
A **snifter or tulip glass** is ideal for imperial stouts and other high-alcohol,
aromatic beers. The shape concentrates aromas, allowing the complex roast,
chocolate, and dark fruit notes to be fully appreciated.
---
**8. Why should draft beer lines be cleaned regularly?**
**Answer:**
Regular cleaning removes **beer stone, bacteria, and yeast buildup** that
can cause off-flavors and spoil the beer. Dirty lines are a common source of
beer faults.
---
**9. A draft system is pouring beer with excessive foam (more than 50%
head). What is the most likely cause and how would you fix it?**
**Answer:**
Professional Q&A | Beer Service
1. According to U.S. law, alcoholic beverages must move through a system of
three tiers. What are these tiers and what is the purpose of this system?**
**Answer:**
The three tiers are: **brewers/importers**, **wholesalers** (distributors),
and **retailers**. The purpose of this system is to create a legal separation
between production, distribution, and sale, preventing vertical monopolies
and ensuring proper taxation and regulation. Some states have exceptions
for brewpubs and breweries that sell directly to retailers or consumers.
---
**2. A keg of non-pasteurized draft beer has been stored refrigerated since
delivery. How long can it remain fresh? How does this compare to
pasteurized draft beer?**
**Answer:**
Non-pasteurized draft beer can remain fresh for approximately **45-60
days** when properly refrigerated. Pasteurized draft beer can last **90-120
days**. When not refrigerated, shelf life decreases significantly.
---
**3. A bottle of IPA has been stored at room temperature for 4 months. What
is the most likely change in flavor and why?**
**Answer:**
The hop aromas will have faded, and the beer may taste stale or oxidized.
Hoppy styles like IPA are more susceptible to the effects of time and may
,show flavor changes in as little as 3 months, even when refrigerated. When
not refrigerated, hoppy beers can become noticeably off due to oxidation and
hop aroma degradation.
---
**4. What does the date code "364-14" indicate?**
**Answer:**
"364-14" is a **Julian date code**, indicating the beer was packaged on the
364th day of 2014 (December 30, 2014). Julian/original date codes indicate
the packaging date rather than a best-by date.
---
**5. What is the proper technique for pouring a beer from a bottle into a
glass to achieve an ideal head?**
**Answer:**
The proper pour starts with the glass tilted at approximately **45 degrees**,
pouring slowly down the side. As the glass fills, straighten it to create a
proper head. This technique minimizes excessive foaming while producing an
appropriate head.
---
**6. A customer orders a wheat beer. Which glassware is most appropriate
and why?**
**Answer:**
, A **Weizen glass** (tall, curving) is most appropriate. It is specifically
designed to showcase the tall, fluffy head and effervescence of wheat beers,
and it allows the characteristic banana and clove aromas to concentrate at
the top.
---
**7. What glassware would best showcase an imperial stout?**
**Answer:**
A **snifter or tulip glass** is ideal for imperial stouts and other high-alcohol,
aromatic beers. The shape concentrates aromas, allowing the complex roast,
chocolate, and dark fruit notes to be fully appreciated.
---
**8. Why should draft beer lines be cleaned regularly?**
**Answer:**
Regular cleaning removes **beer stone, bacteria, and yeast buildup** that
can cause off-flavors and spoil the beer. Dirty lines are a common source of
beer faults.
---
**9. A draft system is pouring beer with excessive foam (more than 50%
head). What is the most likely cause and how would you fix it?**
**Answer:**
