What is ibu in beer?

IBU stands for International Bitterness Units and is a measurement used to quantify the bitter taste in beer. It indicates the amount of alpha acids (bitter compounds) that have been extracted from the hops during the brewing process.

The higher the IBU value, the more bitter the beer will taste. Beers with lower IBU values tend to have a smoother, less bitter flavor profile, while beers with higher IBU values will have a more pronounced bitterness.

It's important to note that IBU is just one factor in determining the overall taste of a beer. Other factors such as malt sweetness, alcohol content, and hop flavor also contribute to the beer's overall flavor profile.

Some beer styles, like IPAs (India Pale Ales), are known for their higher IBU values and pronounced bitterness, while other styles, like stouts and porters, have lower IBU values and a smoother, malt-forward flavor profile.