Do you want to know what is IBU in beer? If yes, then you have come to the right place. If you’re a beer lover, you’ve probably heard the term “IBU” before.
But what is it, exactly? IBU stands for International Bitterness Units, and it’s a measure of how bitter a beer is. The higher the IBU number, the more bitter the beer will taste.
In this article, we’ll discuss what is IBU in beer and how they affect the taste of beer. We’ll also give you a list of some of the most bitter beers out there!
What is IBU in Beer Brewing?
IBU stands for International Bitterness Units. It’s a measurement of the bitterness in beer, and it’s measured on a scale from 0 to 100. The higher the IBU number, the more bitter the beer will taste. The lower the IBU number, the less bitter the beer will taste.
IBU is measured in parts per million (ppm) of isohumulone from hops in a beer, which gives beer bitterness. To put it simply, IBU is a measurement of the bitterness of the beer.
Why Measure IBU?
IBU is measured in order to ensure that beer is consistent with its style. For example, if you’re brewing an IPA, you want to make sure that it’s as bitter as it should be, just like you want to know What Percent Alcohol is Modelo Beer.
If the IBU is too low, the beer will taste sweet and lack the characteristic bitterness of an IPA. If the IBU is too high, the beer will taste excessively bitter and might be unpleasant to drink.
Thus, by measuring IBU, brewers can ensure that their beer is consistent with its style and that it tastes the way it’s supposed to taste.
How Does IBU Affect the Taste of Beer?
The IBU of a beer can range from 0 to 100. The vast majority of beers have an IBU that falls somewhere between 15 and 60. Beers with a low IBU (less than 20) will taste sweet and lack bitterness. Beers with a high IBU (more than 60) will taste extremely bitter and might be unpleasant to drink.
The IBU of a beer will also affect its overall flavor. For example, a beer with a low IBU will taste sweeter than a beer with a high IBU. This is because the bitterness from hops helps to balance out the sweetness from the malt.
A beer with a high IBU will also have a more complex flavor than a beer with a low IBU. This is because the bitterness from hops can help to mask the sweetness from the malt and other ingredients.
What are Some of the Most Bitter Beers?
Now that you know what is IBU in beer, you might be wondering which beers are the most bitter. Here is a list of some of the most bitter beers out there:
- Stone Ruination IPA: This beer has an IBU of 100 and is considered to be one of the most bitter beers in the world.
- Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA: This beer has an IBU of 120 and is also considered to be one of the most bitter beers in the world.
- Russian River Pliny the Elder: This beer has an IBU of 100 and is a popular choice among IPA lovers.
- Sierra Nevada Hoptimum: This beer has an IBU of 100 and is a great choice for those who enjoy a good, bitter IPA.
- Lagunitas Maximus: This beer has an IBU of 65 and is a great choice for those who want a bitter, but not too bitter, IPA.
If you are a beer lover, then you must also learn how to shotgun a beer easily.
IBU Ranges by Style
The following are some of the beer types and their IBU ranges generally. You can find these beers at your local brewery or pub.
- Light Lager — 4-10
- Blond Ale — 14-25
- Saison — 20-38
- Pilsner — 25-45
- Dry Stout — 30-35
- Pale Ale — 30-50
- Hazy IPA — 30-50
- Hazy Double IPA — 45-80
- West Coast IPA — 50-70
- Imperial Stout — 50-80
- Double IPA — 65-100
Is Lower IBU Better?
No, lower IBU is not necessarily better. The IBU of a beer depends on the style of beer that you’re brewing. For example, if you’re brewing a light lager, you want to aim for an IBU of around 15-20.
But if you’re brewing an IPA, you want to aim for an IBU of around 50-70. The IBU of a beer also depends on your personal preferences. Some people prefer sweeter beers, while others prefer more bitter beers.
Conclusion
That was all about what is IBU in beer brewing. Now that you know what IBU is and how it affects the taste of beer, you can use this information to choose the right beer for your preferences. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. Visit our Chill Beer website for more related information.