Introduction to bitterness and mysterious hops
Hi Curious Brewers! If you have ever wondered how bitterness is measured in your favorite beer, you have reached the right place. In this article, we will explore the various formulas used by beer teachers to calculate bitterness, which is expressed in international bitterness units, or Ibus. Of course, this number is more than figures; It is the essence of what makes your foamy drink unique.
Understanding bitterness: What’s behind the Ibus?
The amount of bitterness that the hops provide during cooking is not something that is randomly left. Using specific equations, brewers can estimate how many Ibus will be in their beer once the fermentation is over. But, be careful! What is measured in the initial Ibus can differ a lot from what ends in the bottle. This is because the fermentation and maturation process can devour many of those acids. Even so, the brewers trust these numbers as a reference point for the general bitterness of their selected style.
The great three: models of hops use
When it comes to hops use models, the three best known are Tenseth, Garetz and Rager. All of them have a unique approach to calculate the use factor, essentially the variable that converts the amount of alpha acid into the outcome of bitterness we enjoy. Everyone uses the same basic equation, but their magic is how they determine that factor of use.
TINSETH model: the king of heat and time
The most popular model is that of Tenseth, created by Master Glenn Tenseth. The magic of this model lies in its simplicity: the use is calculated from one time factor and a severity of the must. By increasing boiling time, more alpha acid becomes bitterness. This is a great relief for those who enjoy making long ebullicions, since the model is continuous over time.
Garetz Model: Bitter with precautions
On the other hand, the Garetz model may seem promising, but it is a bit strict with its boiling times. If this is less than 10 minutes, goodbye use! However, for longer times, it behaves quite well, making it a reliable option, although perhaps not as flexible as Tenseth.
RAGER MODEL: The adventurer
Rager, who used to be the favorite among many extract brewers, estimated a much higher hops use, which can be a bit misleading. Apart from its generous estimate for prolonged times, their numbers can be too optimistic. This has led many brewers to look for other more balanced models.
Conclusions and final reflections
So, when choosing a model to calculate the bitterness of your beer, remember that each one has their pros and cons. The brewers will often find that Tenseth is their most constant and adaptable ally in the beer kitchen. While you immerse yourself in the world of hops, do not forget that experimenting is key. We provide for the knowledge and beers that unite us! Do not hesitate to share this article with your beer colleagues or leave a comment with your thoughts about these fascinating bitterness models.
