Which of the following beer qualities is least likely to be affected by the addition of hops?

The addition of hops primarily influences the bitterness, aroma, and flavor of beer. Hops are known for imparting bitterness through alpha acids, which are released during the brewing process, particularly when boiled. They provide distinct aromatic qualities, contributing to the beer's overall scent profile, and also enhance the flavor with various profiles ranging from floral to spicy, depending on the hop variety used.

In contrast, color is determined predominantly by the types of grains and malts utilized in the brewing process rather than hops. The melanoidins and pigments formed during the malting process are what give the beer its color, and hops do not change these aspects. Therefore, when considering the beer qualities least affected by the addition of hops, color stands out as it remains primarily influenced by malt selection rather than hop additions.