the bitterness scale

The bitterness scale measures the intensity of bitter flavors in foods and beverages, particularly in beer and coffee. It is often quantified in International Bitterness Units (IBU) for beer, where higher values indicate stronger bitterness. For coffee, the perception of bitterness can depend on factors like roast level and brew method. Generally, a scale helps consumers understand what to expect in taste; for example, a low IBU beer may taste smooth and mild, while a high IBU beer will be more intense and sharp. This scale aids in selecting products based on personal flavor preferences.