Cicerone Certified Beer Server Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

American hops are particularly known for their vibrant and diverse range of flavors, among which citrus is one of the most prominent. This citrus character often exhibits notes reminiscent of grapefruit, orange, lemon, and lime, contributing to the crisp and refreshing quality of many American-style beers, especially IPAs.

The use of American hop varieties like Citra, Cascade, and Centennial has popularized this citrus profile, making it a defining characteristic of the craft beer landscape in the United States. The addition of these hops during the brewing process enhances the aroma and flavor, making citrus not merely a flavor note but a hallmark of American hop character.

While other flavors such as floral, resin, and spicy may also be present in some hop varieties, they are generally less dominant compared to the bright, zesty notes of citrus found in many American beers. This distinction is essential for recognizing the unique characteristics of American hops and their impact on beer flavor profiles.