How can an IPA have zero IBUs? It’s a question I asked myself after seeing a couple new local brews in this style. Dangerous Man debuted a Mango Brut IPA in their taproom last week and 56 Brewing collaborated with OMNI Brewing for their Zero Friends IPA. Could it be… a trend? Maybe it’s not the next hazy IPA, but it’s out there and it’s left me wondering, “How the heck??”

What are IBUs?

To start out, let’s define IBUs. International Bitterness Units. In layman’s terms, it’s a measurement of the bitterness of a beer on a scale from 0 to 120. Technically though, it measures the isohumolone concentration. Isohumolones are chemical compounds that make the beer bitter. During the boil in the brewing process, alpha acids in the hops break down and create isohumolones. 

So how do you get a beer with zero IBUs?

All the hops are added after the boil. Basically it’s fully dry-hopped, so you’re still getting the hop flavor, minus the bitterness.

“It allows for no major hop isomerization (bitterness) to occur and thus allows for showcasing the aroma and flavor of the hops from additions during fermentation,” said Joe Wirth of 56 Brewing.

Zero IBU inspiration

Rob Miller of Dangerous Man said they were inspired after a coworker saw this style of IPA on a trip to California. “We’ve constantly been trying to create IPAs for non-IPA drinkers,” he said. Which I appreciate!!!

Joe from 56 said they wanted to create a unique style that isn’t prevalent. They had been talking about partnering with OMNI for awhile and came together to make Zero Friends. Watch for another collab between the two of them at MN Brewer’s Guild Autumn Brew Review.

So, is an IPA with no IBUs really an IPA?

I asked the breweries what they thought of bucking such an essential part of the IPA flavor profile.

“The amount of hops by quantity is comparable to our normal IPAs, but it doesn’t translate to bitterness. So, maybe?” said Rob.

Joe said, “Of course! This is not a traditional west coast IPA, but most definitely still an IPA.”

Well there you have it. Zero IBU IPAs. Have you had one? What’d you think? Let me know in the comments. And check out other Beer School topics!