What color measurement system is used in the US for malt?

The color measurement system used in the US for malt is the Standard Reference Method (SRM). This system quantifies the color of malt and beer in a way that is widely accepted in the American brewing industry. The SRM scale provides a numeric value that corresponds to the color intensity of the beer, with lower numbers indicating lighter colors and higher numbers indicating darker colors.

For clarity, it’s beneficial to mention that while Lovibond is a color measurement for malt that is commonly used, it is primarily seen more in homebrewing contexts and among some craft brewers. The EBC (European Brewery Convention) is another color measurement scale used primarily in Europe, and L refers to a general lightness measurement often used in photography and film, rather than in brewing.

Understanding SRM is crucial for brewers in the U.S. as it directly affects the consumer’s perception of a beer's appearance and is a standard measure referred to in specifications and brewing parameters.