Beer Measurement - The Definition of IBU

An IBU or International Bittering Units Scale is a measure of a beer's bitterness. The IBUs are measured by using a process of solvent extraction and by the use of a spectrophotometer. A spectrophotometer measures the intensity of light as emitted by a particular substance. In this case, beer. Bitterness in beer is caused by the addition of hops to the wort during the brewing process. The IBU of a beer can be misleading if you do not understand that some beers can be heavily hopped but not as bitter as others due to the malts used in the beer. Malts sweeten, flavor and color a beer. The function of a some malt converts the starch to a sugar called maltose. An Imperial Stout, for example, may have an IBU rating of 50 but due to its highly malted recipe it might not be as bitter as an English Strong that measures 40 IBUs. A light ale may weigh in at around 15 IBUs while a barley wine can hit you with as much as 100 IBUs.

The term IBU has become very popular in usage to devout India Pale Ale drinkers. It seems that sour is the new sweet when it comes to cool! Dogfish Head 120 IPA rates in at an obvious 120 IBUs. For IPA drinkers this measurement gives them an expectation when it comes to bitterness.

Brew masters will tell you that it isn't necessarily about getting the hop as high as possible. Any brewer can over hop a beer. It takes craft and skill to use the subtle flavors and nuances of a hop to enhance a beer so that you get something pleasantly drinkable. To get extreme bitterness in a beer you need a lot of hops. Unless you are skilled at balancing out flavors through boiling time or with the addition of other ingredients, you may be wasting your time and money. Also, it is interesting to note that IBU calculating methods vary. Brewers may use the Tinseth equation or the Rager equation. The Rager calculation is appropriate for a partial wort boil while the Tinseth equation may be a better application for a full wort boil. These equations may mean little to a beer drinker who does not dabble in brewing. Understanding the complexities that go into the brewing process may well help a devout beer drinker to make choices that will completely satisfy the palate an lend to a superior appreciation of the craft.

Learn more about beer at Micro Brew Beer Review.

Brewing beer can be a very enjoyable hobby. It is very inexpensive to get in to. Starter kits begin at $75 and if you had ever thought of brewing beer on a larger scale, investments can be as little as $150 to $200. Most of the necessary equipment may be stuff that you already have on hand at home: a large tub (3 gallons or larger), glass bottles, a thermometer and a bottle brush are just several examples of the equipment you might already have laying around.

Brewing beer at home gives you a chance to create a product not found at the store or in a brew pub. Your product can be a great gift for friends and family. It is also a great excuse to invite friends over.

Beer and chili are a perfect combination. For great chili recipes visit Chili Cha Cha.