Which beer type has the highest IBU range?

The English Barleywine is known for having one of the highest International Bitterness Units (IBU) ranges among various beer styles. This beer is characterized by a strong malt backbone, which can include flavors of caramel, toffee, and dark fruit, but also has the potential for significant hop bitterness. The IBU range for English Barleywines typically lies between 40 and 100, allowing for a pronounced balance between malt sweetness and hop bitterness.

In this style, the bitterness from hops is important as it complements the rich malt profile, creating depth and complexity in flavor. Barleywines can showcase a wide variety of hop characteristics, which can contribute to higher bitterness levels compared to other styles listed.

Oatmeal Stouts, Wee Heavies, and Tropical Stouts generally exhibit lower IBU ranges. Oatmeal Stouts focus more on smoothness and mouthfeel rather than bitterness; Wee Heavies are rich but not relatively high in hop bitterness; Tropical Stouts tend to have moderate bitterness, often influenced by the ingredients used, such as chocolate and spices. Therefore, the high IBU potential of the English Barleywine distinguishes it within the context of these other beer styles.