Beverage & Brewing Science
Craft Beer Styles & IBU Guide
Confused by craft brewery draft lists? Learn what IBU bitterness units, SRM color numbers, and ABV percentages mean for every major beer style.
Select A Craft Beer Style:
Craft Brewing Profile
West Coast IPA (India Pale Ale)
6.5% – 7.5%50 – 85 IBU (High Bitterness)
Color (SRM):
6 – 12 (Golden Amber)
Ideal Serving Temp:
45°F – 50°F (7°C – 10°C)
Recommended Glass:
IPA Glass or Tulip
Tasting Notes:
Punchy pine resin, grapefruit rind, clean dry finish, aggressive hop bite.
What Do IBU, ABV, and SRM Mean on Beer Menus?
IBU (International Bitterness Units)
Measures isomerized alpha acids from hops on a scale of 0 to 100+. Under 20 = mild; over 60 = very bitter.
ABV (Alcohol by Volume)
The percentage of volume of alcohol in the beer.
SRM (Standard Reference Method)
Color scale: 2 is light straw lager; 10 is amber; 40+ is pitch black imperial stout.
Dry Hopping
Adding hops during fermentation for fresh aromatics without increasing boiled bitterness.