Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Exam

What does the term "IBU" stand for in relation to beer?

1. International Beer University

2. International Bitterness Units

3. Important Beer Upgrades

4. Internal Beer Utilization

The correct answer is: International Bitterness Units

The term "IBU" stands for International Bitterness Units, which is a measurement that quantifies the bitterness of beer primarily due to the presence of hops. Hops contain alpha acids that contribute to bitterness, and the IBU scale helps brewers and consumers understand how bitter a particular beer may be. A higher IBU value indicates a more bitter beer, while a lower IBU suggests a less bitter profile. This measurement is important for both brewing consistency and for consumers who may have preferences for beer bitterness. The other options do not accurately represent the term "IBU." For instance, while "International Beer University" might suggest a place of education about beer, it does not have any relevance to measurements used in brewing. "Important Beer Upgrades" and "Internal Beer Utilization" also stray from the context of bitterness measurement and do not relate to industry-standard terminology or practices in brewing.