Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Exam

Which element is typically responsible for the head retention in beer?

1. Hops

2. Carbon dioxide

3. Barley protein

4. Alcohol

The correct answer is: Barley protein

Head retention in beer primarily depends on the proteins from barley. During the brewing process, the proteins in malted barley interact with the hops and the carbonation in the beer to create a stable foam that contributes to the beer's head. Barley proteins, particularly those derived from the gluten, play a crucial role in forming the structure of the foam by stabilizing the bubbles, allowing them to persist longer and maintain the beer's overall appearance and mouthfeel. While hops do contribute to head stability through certain compounds, their direct role in head retention is secondary compared to that of barley proteins. Carbon dioxide is important for creating bubbles but does not provide the structural support necessary for head retention. Alcohol has minimal influence on foam stability, as it is primarily a result of the protein content and the interaction of various components in the beer. Thus, barley protein is the key element responsible for maintaining the head on a beer.