Walking through the beer aisle at Payless Liquors can be overwhelming with so many choices, styles, and beer labels packed with numbers and jargon. Ever wondered what IBU, ABV, and different beer styles actually mean? We’re here to break it down so you can pick the perfect brew with confidence!

IBU: Measuring Bitterness

IBU (International Bitterness Units) tells you how bitter a beer will taste. The scale ranges from 0 to 100+, with lower numbers meaning smoother, maltier beers and higher numbers meaning hoppier, more bitter brews.

• Low IBU (0-20) – Light, smooth beers like wheat beers and lagers.

• Medium IBU (20-50) – Balanced bitterness, found in pale ales and ambers.

• High IBU (50-100+) – Hop-forward beers like IPAs and imperial stouts.

Pro Tip: Higher IBUs don’t always mean the beer will taste intensely bitter—it depends on how well the malt balances the hops!

ABV: Alcohol Content

ABV (Alcohol by Volume) measures the alcohol percentage in your beer. This can impact both flavor and how quickly you feel the effects.

• Light Beers (3-4% ABV) – Crisp, easy-drinking options like pilsners and session ales.

• Standard Beers (4-7% ABV) – Most lagers, pale ales, and wheat beers fall in this range.

• Strong Beers (7%+ ABV) – High-alcohol brews like double IPAs, stouts, and Belgian ales.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a longer drinking session, go for a lower ABV beer to keep things light and refreshing.

Beer Styles: Finding Your Perfect Brew

Now that you understand IBUs and ABV, let’s break down some common beer styles you’ll find at Payless Liquors:

• Lagers – Clean, crisp, and light in body. Perfect for easy drinking. (Example: Budweiser, Miller Lite)

• Pilsners – A step up from lagers, with a bit more hop character but still refreshing. (Example: Pilsner Urquell)

• Pale Ales – Balanced between malt and hops, offering mild bitterness and bright flavors. (Example: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale)

• IPAs (India Pale Ales) – Hoppy, sometimes fruity, with bitterness levels that range from moderate to extreme. (Example: Bell’s Two Hearted, Lagunitas IPA)

• Stouts & Porters – Dark, roasty beers with coffee or chocolate notes, perfect for colder months. (Example: Guinness, Founders Breakfast Stout)

• Sours & Goses – Tart, tangy, and refreshing with fruity notes. (Example: Urban Artifact, Anderson Valley Gose)

Find Your Favorite at Payless Liquors!

Next time you’re browsing our beer selection at Payless Liquors, check the IBU, ABV, and style to find the perfect brew for your taste! Whether you’re into crisp lagers, hoppy IPAs, or bold stouts, we have something for everyone.

Stop by your nearest Payless Liquors today and explore our wide selection of beers!