Bitter! Let's understand what IBU is and how bitterness affects the taste of beer

If you’ve scrutinized craft beer labels, you’ve definitely seen the mysterious IBU abbreviation on them. This indicator plays a key role in shaping the flavor of the beverage. Let’s find out what it means and why bitterness is one of the main criteria for evaluating beer.

What is IBU?

IBU (International Bitterness Unit) is an international indicator of beer bitterness. It indicates the concentration of isohumulone, an alpha acid found in hops, which gives the drink its characteristic bitterness.

The higher the IBU, the more bitter the beer will be. However, the perception of bitterness depends not only on this indicator, but also on the balance with malt sweetness, strength and aromatic additives.

Why do you need the IBU index?

Before the advent of industrial brewing, a beverage could be either too sweet or, conversely, too sour or bitter. To achieve a harmonious flavor, brewers began to adjust bitterness with hops.

In the past, herbs (thistle, mint, juniper) were used to soften sweetness, but today the main source of bitterness is hops. It is added at different stages of brewing to:

— compensate for the sweetness of the malt;
— add complexity and flavor to the beer;
— increase shelf life (isohumulone has antibacterial properties).

The first to calculate the bitterness of beer were the people of Great Britain, using the formula «pounds of hops per quart of malt». The modern IBU standard was developed to accurately categorize beers.

How to calculate IBU?

The bitterness index is determined using a mathematical formula:

G = D × E

D = (A × B) / (C × 0.1)

Where:

A — mass of hops (in grams);

B — alpha acid content of hops (%);

C — wort volume (in liters);

E — loss factor (production time and beer density are affected);

G — final IBU.

The longer the hops are brewed, the more alpha acids pass into the wort, increasing bitterness.

IBU scale: from lager to IPA

Beer bitterness is measured on a scale of 0 to 120+ IBUs, but most beers are in the 5-90 range.

Why is IBU not the main selection criterion?

A high IBU does not always mean that the beer will seem too bitter. For example, sweet stouts (30-50 IBU) seem less bitter than IPAs due to caramel and chocolate notes. And light lagers (8-15 IBU) may be perceived as more bitter due to a lack of malt balance.

How do you choose a beer based on bitterness level?

If you don’t like bitterness — choose lagers, wheat ales, Belgian trippels (up to 30 IBU). If you like balance, try porters or amber ales (30-50 IBU). If you like a rich hop bitterness, an IPA or Imperial Stout (50+ IBU) is ideal.

You can try any of these varieties in Lambic beer restaurants. Come — we will find something to surprise you!

Date : 20 May

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