IBU (International Bitterness Units)

International Bitterness Units (IBU) are a measure of the bitterness in beer, primarily derived from hops. The scale ranges from 0 to over 100, with lower values indicating less bitterness, typical of lighter beers like lagers, and higher values representing more intense bitterness, common in IPAs and stouts. For example, a beer with an IBU of 10 might taste smooth and mildly hoppy, while a beer with an IBU of 80 could have a pronounced bitter flavor. Understanding IBU can help beer enthusiasts choose beverages that match their taste preferences.