Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Test

Which of the following styles has the lowest level of perceived bitterness?

1. American IPA

2. American pale ale

3. Czech premium pale lager

4. Wee heavy

The correct answer is: Wee heavy

The perceived bitterness in beer is measured in IBU (International Bitterness Units). Generally, the higher the IBU, the more bitter the beer. American pale ale and American IPA, while they may be hoppy, tend to have higher IBUs due to the use of American hops which contain high levels of alpha acids. Czech premium pale lagers can also have a significant level of bitterness if they use a lot of Saaz hops. However, wee heavy or Scottish strong ales tend to have lower IBUs and are known for having a milder, more mellow bitterness compared to other beer styles. This is due to the use of caramel or malted barley which can balance out the bitterness from the hops. Therefore, wee heavy would be the correct answer for the style with the lowest level of perceived bitterness.