The term "IBU" can refer to different things, but the two most common meanings are:
- International Bitterness Units (IBU) - a chemical measurement scale used to quantify the bitterness of beer. It measures bittering compounds such as isomerized and oxidized alpha acids and polyphenols that affect the taste of beer. The scale typically ranges from 5 (very low bitterness) to 120 (very high bitterness), with most beers falling between 15 and 80 IBUs.
- International Biathlon Union (IBU) - the international governing body for the sport of biathlon. It organizes competitions like World Championships and regulates the sport globally. The IBU moved its headquarters to Anif, Austria in 2020, and oversees biathlon events and developments worldwide.
Depending on the context in which "ibu" was asked, it most likely refers to either the beer bitterness measurement or the biathlon union. If more context is provided, a more specific explanation can be given.
