A few people have asked what "IBU" means in the stats section of the review. It stands for International Bitterness Units. Basically it puts a number on a scale of 0-100 on how bitter the beer is. A lot of people think that bitterness in beer is a bad thing (click that for a link) but it couldn't be further from the truth. For example from Wikipedia:
The bittering effect is less noticeable in beers with a high quantity of malt, so a higher IBU is needed in heavier beers to balance the flavor. For example, an Imperial Stout may have an IBU of 50, but will taste less bitter than an English Bitter with an IBU of 30, because the latter beer uses much less malt than the former. The technical limit for IBU's is around 100; some have tried to surpass this number, but there is no real gauge after 100 IBUs when it comes to taste threshold. Light lagers without much bitterness will generally have 5 IBUs, while a souped-up India Pale Ale may have 100 IBUs or more.
Some beers claim an IBU of 2500, but basically its a gimmick to say, "Hey, our beer is hoppy as shit" Most people agree 120 is about as high as you can really register taste wise. Let me give you some real world examples with beers you may know:
Bud Light: 7
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale: 38
Dogfish Head 120 minute IPA: 120
As stated above, the bitterness is relative to the amount of malt, but generally when you start getting over 50-75 IBU, you're getting in to a more bitter beer. Don't use the IBU scale as a limiting device, try some things and see what you like. Remember, if you have a beer you don't like, it's only one. There's millions others out there to try.
Remember, The Community Counseling Center Foundation will hold the 2nd annual Cape Girardeau Craft Beer Festival from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Cape Girardeau Arena Park and SEMO Fairground Bank of America Show Arena.
Admission is $30 in advance and $30 at the gate. This includes a pilsner beer glass; tasting of over 100 beers from over 25 microbreweries; home-brewing demonstrations; and live German music by the Jerry Ford German Band. Food will be available from Cook's Bar-B-Que and there will be hourly drawings for gifts and prizes.
All proceeds from the event will go to the Community Counseling Center Foundation to be used for providing improved facilities, equipment and services for persons with mental illness.
Tickets are available at all Community Counseling Center locations, Bluff City Beer, Primo Vino, Kidd's Gas and Convenience Stores, P-Mac Music, Dirt Cheap, the John Huber Home Brew Supply in Fruitland, Mo., or at the gate.
For more information, contact Larry Essner at 339-6512.
Cheers!
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