Which of the following describes a characteristic of black beers?

The characteristic that accurately describes black beers is the presence of roasted and burnt flavors. Black beers, which include styles such as stouts and porters, utilize dark malts that undergo extensive roasting during the malting process. This roasting contributes various flavors, including strong coffee and chocolate notes, as well as a characteristic roastiness that can sometimes verge on burnt.

While rich and malty notes may also be present in these styles due to the malts used, the defining aspect that distinguishes black beers is their roasted character, which dominates the flavor profile. In contrast, fruity and floral flavors are more common in lighter beers with hop presence, and clear and crisp descriptions typically align more with styles like lagers or pilsners, which are not representative of black beers.