IBU, or International Bitterness Units, is a measurement used to quantify the bitterness in beer. It is a scale that helps brewers and beer enthusiasts understand the level of hops bitterness in a particular beer. While 45 IBU is considered to be on the higher end of the scale, whether it is perceived as bitter or not can vary depending on personal taste and the overall balance of flavors in the beer.
To give you some context, beers with an IBU of less than 20 typically have little to no hops presence, resulting in a beer that is generally perceived as less bitter. These beers often focus more on malt sweetness and other flavors.
In the range of 20 to 45 IBU, which is the most common range for many beer styles, you can expect a mild to pronounced hops presence. Beers in this range strike a balance between hops bitterness and other flavors, such as malt sweetness or fruity notes. This is the range where most people find a pleasant level of bitterness that adds complexity to the beer without overpowering it.
Now, when we venture into heavily hopped beers with an IBU greater than 45, we are entering territory that can taste quite bitter. These beers are often referred to as “hop bombs” and are typically enjoyed by those who appreciate intense hop flavors and bitterness. It's important to note that bitterness is just one aspect of the overall taste profile of a beer. Other factors, such as malt sweetness, yeast character, and the type of hops used, can also influence how the bitterness is perceived.
To illustrate this, let me share a personal experience. I once had a beer with an IBU of 45 that was brewed with a variety of hops known for their citrusy and piney characteristics. Despite the relatively high IBU, the beer had a pleasant and well-balanced bitterness that complemented the fruity hop flavors. It was far from being overwhelmingly bitter and was actually quite enjoyable.
On the other hand, I've also had beers with lower IBU values that tasted more bitter than expected due to factors such as a lack of malt sweetness or an unbalanced hop profile. This goes to show that the perception of bitterness is not solely determined by the IBU value but is influenced by various other factors.
45 IBU can be perceived as bitter, especially when compared to beers with lower IBU values. However, whether it is considered overly bitter or not depends on personal taste preferences and the overall balance of flavors in the beer. It's always a good idea to try different beers and explore the wide range of flavors and bitterness levels available in the world of craft beer.