How does the level of bitterness of craft beer relate to its IBU rating?
What Does IBU Stand for in Craft Beer?
As a beer lover, you might have come across the term IBU while reading the description of a craft beer. But do you know what IBU means or what it stands for? Let’s find out.
What Is IBU?
IBU is an acronym that stands for “International Bitterness Units”. It’s a measure of the bitterness of a beer, specifically from the alpha acids found in the hops used during the brewing process. The higher the IBU, the more bitter the beer will taste.
How Do Brewers Measure IBU?
IBU is measured using a spectrophotometer to determine the exact amount of iso-alpha acids in the beer. However, this process is complicated and requires specialized equipment, so most brewers use a simpler method called a spectrophotometer.
A spectrophotometer measures the absorbance of a specific wavelength of light by the beer sample. The more absorbent the beer is, the higher the IBU. This method is not as accurate as a spectrophotometer, but it’s easier to perform and provides a reasonable estimate of the IBU of a beer.
Does IBU Affect the Taste of a Beer?
Yes, IBU affects the taste of a beer significantly. Beers with higher IBU values will have a more bitter taste than beers with lower IBU values. However, it’s important to note that bitterness is not the only flavor profile influenced by hops in beer.
Other factors such as the variety of hops used, the addition time during brewing, and the quantity used will all impact the flavor and aroma of the beer, even if the IBU value is the same.
What Is Considered a “High” or “Low” IBU Value?
Typically, beers with IBU values between 0-20 are considered low bitterness. These beers will have a mild or no bitterness taste at all.
Beers with IBU values between 20-40 are considered moderate bitterness. These beers will have a noticeable bitterness taste, but it won’t be overpowering.
Beers with IBU values between 40-60 are considered high bitterness. These beers will have a strong bitterness taste that might be overwhelming for some drinkers.
Beers with IBU values above 60 are considered very high bitterness. These beers are usually reserved for the most daring beer drinkers as they have a very strong bitterness taste.
Final Thoughts
Now you know what IBU stands for in craft beer and how it affects the taste of a beer. Next time you see IBU listed on the label of a craft beer you’re interested in trying, you’ll know exactly what the number means.
Craft beer has become increasingly popular in recent years, with drinkers eager to sample unique and flavoursome brews. IBU (International Bittering Units) is a technical term used to measure the bitterness of a beer. This article discusses what IBU means and how it is used to assess the quality of craft beer.
IBU stands for International Bittering Units and is used to measure bitterness in beer. It is a scale used to quantify the level of bitterness in a particular beer – the higher the IBU, the more intense the bitterness. The IBU scale is a way for craft beer drinkers to assess the expected flavour of a beer before drinking it.
Typically, ales have a higher IBU than lagers, as ales tend to be more bitter due to the higher levels of hops and malt used in the brewing process. Certain types of ales such as IPAs, stouts and porters tend to have a higher IBU level than other styles of craft beer.
It is important to note that IBU only measures bitterness, and not flavour. For example, a beer with a high IBU does not necessarily mean that the beer will taste worse than one with a lower IBU. Instead, it provides an indication of how intense the bitterness of a beer may be. The presence of other flavour notes, such as sweetness or sourness, must also be considered when assessing the overall taste of a beer.
At the end of the day, the only true way to understand how a beer tastes is to drink it. However, the IBU scale is a useful tool for craft beer drinkers looking to understand the level of bitterness they are likely to experience. Knowing the expected IBU level of a beer will help to better prepare consumers for the drinking experience.