What does the IBU measurement indicate in beer types?

The IBU measurement stands for International Bitterness Units, which quantifies the bitterness of beer. Bitterness in beer primarily comes from the hops used during brewing. The IBU scale typically ranges from 0 to over 100, with higher values indicating a greater level of perceived bitterness. Brewers use this measurement to help balance the flavors in beer and ensure that the hop profile complements the malt sweetness, resulting in a well-rounded flavor profile.

In the brewing process, different hop varieties contribute various levels of bitterness based on their alpha acid content. Measuring IBU allows brewers to communicate the bitterness level of their beer to consumers, which is especially important for styles where bitterness plays a key role, such as IPAs. Understanding IBU helps enthusiasts and professionals alike to gauge a beer's bitterness before tasting it, influencing their choices based on personal preference or pairings with food.

Alternatives like alcohol by volume, original gravity, and the standard reference method measure different attributes of beer and do not pertain specifically to bitterness.