Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Test – Prep & Study Guide

The primary hop characteristic found in a West Coast IPA is citrus. This style of India Pale Ale is known for its strong hop aroma and flavor, which often features bright notes of citrus fruits such as grapefruit, orange, and lemon. The use of specific hop varieties that impart these citrus flavors is a hallmark of the West Coast IPA, reflecting a trend towards intense hop forwardness in craft brewing.

While other hop characteristics such as earthy, floral, and spicy may be present in various beer styles or even in some specific West Coast IPAs, they do not define the style as distinctly as the citrus notes do. The emphasis on citrus contributes to the refreshing, bold profile that has made West Coast IPAs particularly popular among craft beer enthusiasts.