What is an ibu?

IBU stands for International Bitterness Units, which is a scale used to measure the bitterness of beer. It is a standardized scale that measures the amount of iso-alpha acids, which are responsible for the bitterness in beer.

The IBU scale typically ranges from 0 to 100, with higher numbers indicating a more bitter beer. Beers with lower IBU values are typically less bitter and more balanced, while beers with higher IBU values are more bitter and intense.

IBU values are determined through lab testing and can vary depending on factors such as the type of hops used, the amount of hops added, and the brewing process. Some beer styles, such as IPAs (India Pale Ales), are known for having higher IBU values due to their strong hop flavor and bitterness.

Overall, IBU is just one of many factors that contribute to the flavor profile of a beer and can help drinkers understand the level of bitterness in a particular brew.