VA Craft Beer Month: What’s an IBU Anyway? Beer Terms Demystified

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Celebrating Virginia Craft Beer Month at Stable Craft Brewing

August is Virginia Craft Beer Month, and what better time to brush up on your beer knowledge? Whether you’re a casual sipper, a hophead, or just here for the charcuterie board, knowing a few key beer terms will help you order like a pro. Plus, it gives you something to brag about when you’re hanging around our bar talking hops and malt.

So, let’s break down some beer lingo — without the boring textbook vibes.

IBU – The Beer’s “Bitterness” Score

IBU stands for International Bitterness Units. Think of it like a scale for measuring how bitter your beer tastes, based on the hops used.

• Low IBUs (0–20): Light lagers, wheat beers, and fruity ales. Smooth, easy-drinking, no bitter punch.
• Mid IBUs (20–50): Balanced styles like pale ales and IPAs. Some hop bite, but still friendly.
• High IBUs (50+): Hop bombs for the true IPA fan. Think crisp, citrusy, and piney with a bitter kick.

Here at Stable Craft, our Tiny Footprints Hybrid Lager keeps IBUs mellow, while our Double Ugly West Coast IPA delivers the hop-forward punch for the bold.

ABV – How “Strong” is It?

ABV stands for Alcohol by Volume. It’s the percentage of alcohol in your beer.

• Low (3–4%): Easy sippers you can enjoy all afternoon.
• Mid (5–7%): The sweet spot for flavor and buzz.
• High (8%+): Big, bold, and perfect for sipping by the fire pit.

Example? FUmpkin Ale clocks in at 7.5% ABV — rich, flavorful, and a seasonal favorite.

SRM – The Color Code

SRM stands for Standard Reference Method. It’s how brewers describe the color of beer.

• Light (2–5 SRM): Straw or golden hues.
• Medium (10–15 SRM): Amber and copper tones.
• Dark (20+ SRM): Deep browns and black stouts.

Our Apres Ski Baltic Porter? A dark, smooth sipper perfect for cooler nights.

Growler & Bottles to go – Beer To-Go

A growler is a refillable glass jug (64 oz) you can take home.  Perfect for Virginia Craft Beer Month takeaways — and we’ve got $10 growler fills this month.

Why It Matters

Knowing your IBUs, ABVs, and SRMs isn’t about being a beer snob — it’s about finding your perfect pint. The more you know, the easier it is to branch out and discover something new. And trust us, August is the perfect time to explore with our Competition Beer Flight and rotating tap list.

🍺 Ready to taste-test your new beer vocabulary?
Join us this Virginia Craft Beer Month at Stable Craft Brewing in Waynesboro, VA. We’ll pour the beer, you bring the curiosity.

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