In the BJCP exam, what does the term "off-flavor" refer to?

In the context of the BJCP exam, "off-flavor" specifically refers to undesirable flavors in beer that deviate from the accepted flavor profile for a given style. Off-flavors can result from various factors, including brewing mistakes, ingredient quality, or improper fermentation. These flavors can significantly impact the overall quality and drinkability of the beer, making it important for judges to identify and describe them accurately when assessing a beer.

While unusual colors, excessive sweetness, and high alcohol content can be notable characteristics of a beer, they do not necessarily classify as "off-flavors." For instance, unusual colors might be a stylistic choice or a result of the malt used, excessive sweetness can be part of certain beer styles, and high alcohol content might be intentional for styles like barleywines or imperial stouts. In contrast, off-flavors are specifically those that are not in line with the expected flavor expectations, making option B the correct choice.