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Craft Beer
2026.09.20
Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness
Comparing the numbers and sensations from 23 IBU Kölsch to 60 IBU IPA
The IBU on a beer menu is a clue to understanding bitterness, but the number doesn’t necessarily reflect the intensity felt on the tongue. This is because the sweetness of the malt, alcohol content, texture, and aroma can mask or highlight the bitterness. However, when comparing beers in order from 23 to 60 IBU in the same setting, the ways Kölsch, Pilsner, Pale Ale, Hazy IPA, and West Coast IPA handle bitterness become distinctly evident. This list arranges six domestic products with official IBU numbers from lowest to highest.
Pour each product at the same temperature and in similarly sized glasses, and take note of the lingering taste after a small sip for about 10 seconds. You can differentiate between products with strong aromas but rounded bitterness and those where aroma and bitterness remain in a straight line. The IBU can be a lab measurement or based on recipes, and it may not align with personal sensations. Therefore, it's more appropriate to use this as a tasting order and a tool for exploring preferences rather than a strict ranking.
Pour each product at the same temperature and in similarly sized glasses, and take note of the lingering taste after a small sip for about 10 seconds. You can differentiate between products with strong aromas but rounded bitterness and those where aroma and bitterness remain in a straight line. The IBU can be a lab measurement or based on recipes, and it may not align with personal sensations. Therefore, it's more appropriate to use this as a tasting order and a tool for exploring preferences rather than a strict ranking.
Magpie Kölsch
Mackpai Kölsch
The first product to consider in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness': Mackpai Kölsch. The brewery to note is Mackpai Brewing Company, style is Kölsch, and the official description summarizes it as 'a refreshing Kölsch that is fermented with ale yeast and aged like a lager, light and quick to sip.' The flavors to focus on according to the difference between the official IBU and the bitterness felt on the tongue are: floral aroma, light fruit aroma, low bitterness. Observing how these characteristics show up in the glass will clarify the reason for choosing.
The information on Mackpai Kölsch to reference in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness' is as follows. The official alcohol content is indicated to be 4.8%. It suits those who want to experience a subtle ale aroma while maintaining the refreshing quality of a familiar lager, and while tasting, start from the lower IBU and cleanse your palate with water and plain crackers. Note that the stock, volume, and packaging of Mackpai Kölsch included in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness' may vary, so check with Mackpai Brewing Company's official channels and the latest product labels.
The information on Mackpai Kölsch to reference in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness' is as follows. The official alcohol content is indicated to be 4.8%. It suits those who want to experience a subtle ale aroma while maintaining the refreshing quality of a familiar lager, and while tasting, start from the lower IBU and cleanse your palate with water and plain crackers. Note that the stock, volume, and packaging of Mackpai Kölsch included in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness' may vary, so check with Mackpai Brewing Company's official channels and the latest product labels.
양조장 맥파이 브루잉 컴퍼니
스타일 Kölsch
도수 4.8%
향·맛 꽃 향·가벼운 과일 향·낮은 쓴맛
구매 확인 재고·용량·패키지는 공식 판매처에서 최신 정보 확인
Seoul Forest Craft Lager
The second product to consider in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness': Seoul Forest Craft Lager. The brewery to note is Amazing Brewing Company, style is Pilsner, and the official description summarizes it as 'a pilsner that showcases toasty malt and noble hops' floral and herbal aromas, officially reported as 30.7 IBU.' The flavors to focus on according to the difference between the official IBU and the bitterness felt on the tongue are: toasty malt, floral, herbal, refreshing bitterness. Observing how these characteristics show up in the glass will clarify the reason for choosing.
The information on Seoul Forest Craft Lager to reference in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness' is as follows. The official alcohol content is indicated to be 5.3%. It suits those who enjoy cold refreshing drinks as well as delving into the malt and hop flavors of a lager. While tasting, start from the lower IBU and cleanse your palate with water and plain crackers. Note that the stock, volume, and packaging of Seoul Forest Craft Lager included in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness' may vary, so check with Amazing Brewing Company's official channels and the latest product labels.
The information on Seoul Forest Craft Lager to reference in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness' is as follows. The official alcohol content is indicated to be 5.3%. It suits those who enjoy cold refreshing drinks as well as delving into the malt and hop flavors of a lager. While tasting, start from the lower IBU and cleanse your palate with water and plain crackers. Note that the stock, volume, and packaging of Seoul Forest Craft Lager included in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness' may vary, so check with Amazing Brewing Company's official channels and the latest product labels.
양조장 어메이징브루잉컴퍼니
스타일 Pilsner
도수 5.3%
향·맛 고소한 맥아·꽃·허브·산뜻한 쓴맛
구매 확인 재고·용량·패키지는 공식 판매처에서 최신 정보 확인
Seongsu-dong Pale Ale
The third product to consider in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness': Seongsu-dong Pale Ale. The brewery to note is Amazing Brewing Company, style is American Pale Ale, and the official description summarizes it as 'a pale ale that started from a recipe made with Seongsu-dong residents, featuring grapefruit and orange aromas with hints of pine.' The flavors to focus on according to the difference between the official IBU and the bitterness felt on the tongue are: grapefruit, orange, pine aroma, light body. Observing how these characteristics show up in the glass will clarify the reason for choosing.
The information on Seongsu-dong Pale Ale to reference in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness' is as follows. The official alcohol content is indicated to be 4.5%. It suits those who appreciate clear aromas but prefer a lighter weight to match with various foods easily. While tasting, start from the lower IBU and cleanse your palate with water and plain crackers. Note that the stock, volume, and packaging of Seongsu-dong Pale Ale included in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness' may vary, so check with Amazing Brewing Company's official channels and the latest product labels.
The information on Seongsu-dong Pale Ale to reference in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness' is as follows. The official alcohol content is indicated to be 4.5%. It suits those who appreciate clear aromas but prefer a lighter weight to match with various foods easily. While tasting, start from the lower IBU and cleanse your palate with water and plain crackers. Note that the stock, volume, and packaging of Seongsu-dong Pale Ale included in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness' may vary, so check with Amazing Brewing Company's official channels and the latest product labels.
양조장 어메이징브루잉컴퍼니
스타일 American Pale Ale
도수 4.5%
향·맛 자몽·오렌지·솔 향·가벼운 바디
구매 확인 재고·용량·패키지는 공식 판매처에서 최신 정보 확인
Mac Pie Pale Ale
Mackpai Pale Ale
The fourth product to consider in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness': Mackpai Pale Ale. The brewery to note is Mackpai Brewing Company, style is American Pale Ale, and the official description summarizes it as 'Mackpai's first and representative beer, leaving a light bitterness behind the fruity and citrus flavors.' The flavors to focus on according to the difference between the official IBU and the bitterness felt on the tongue are: apricot, citrus, light bitterness. Observing how these characteristics show up in the glass will clarify the reason for choosing.
The information on Mackpai Pale Ale to reference in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness' is as follows. The official alcohol content is indicated to be 4.8%. It suits those seeking a lighter starting point when broadening their palate from lagers to hop-scented ales. While tasting, start from the lower IBU and cleanse your palate with water and plain crackers. Note that the stock, volume, and packaging of Mackpai Pale Ale included in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness' may vary, so check with Mackpai Brewing Company's official channels and the latest product labels.
The information on Mackpai Pale Ale to reference in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness' is as follows. The official alcohol content is indicated to be 4.8%. It suits those seeking a lighter starting point when broadening their palate from lagers to hop-scented ales. While tasting, start from the lower IBU and cleanse your palate with water and plain crackers. Note that the stock, volume, and packaging of Mackpai Pale Ale included in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness' may vary, so check with Mackpai Brewing Company's official channels and the latest product labels.
양조장 맥파이 브루잉 컴퍼니
스타일 American Pale Ale
도수 4.8%
향·맛 살구·감귤·가벼운 쌉쌀함
구매 확인 재고·용량·패키지는 공식 판매처에서 최신 정보 확인
First Love IPA
The fifth product to consider in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness': First Love IPA. The brewery to note is Amazing Brewing Company, style is Hazy IPA, and the official description summarizes it as 'a hazy IPA with rich texture and fruit aroma from oats, featuring a sweet initial impression with bitterness that connects to its name.' The flavors to focus on according to the difference between the official IBU and the bitterness felt on the tongue are: orange, citrus, tropical fruit, sweet bitterness. Observing how these characteristics show up in the glass will clarify the reason for choosing.
The information on First Love IPA to reference in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness' is as follows. The official alcohol content is indicated to be 6.5%. It suits those who want to differentiate between the clear and dry West Coast IPAs and the thick and smooth Hazy IPAs. While tasting, start from the lower IBU and cleanse your palate with water and plain crackers. Note that the stock, volume, and packaging of First Love IPA included in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness' may vary, so check with Amazing Brewing Company's official channels and the latest product labels.
The information on First Love IPA to reference in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness' is as follows. The official alcohol content is indicated to be 6.5%. It suits those who want to differentiate between the clear and dry West Coast IPAs and the thick and smooth Hazy IPAs. While tasting, start from the lower IBU and cleanse your palate with water and plain crackers. Note that the stock, volume, and packaging of First Love IPA included in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness' may vary, so check with Amazing Brewing Company's official channels and the latest product labels.
양조장 어메이징브루잉컴퍼니
스타일 Hazy IPA
도수 6.5%
향·맛 오렌지·감귤·열대과일·달콤쌉쌀함
구매 확인 재고·용량·패키지는 공식 판매처에서 최신 정보 확인
Amazing IPA
The sixth product to consider in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness': Amazing IPA. The brewery to note is Amazing Brewing Company, style is American IPA, and the official description summarizes it as 'a product introduced as a West Coast IPA, centered on bright fruit aroma and 50 IBU bitterness.' The flavors to focus on according to the difference between the official IBU and the bitterness felt on the tongue are: citrus, tropical fruit, dry finish. Observing how these characteristics show up in the glass will clarify the reason for choosing.
The information on Amazing IPA to reference in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness' is as follows. The official alcohol content is indicated to be 6.2%. It suits those looking for a beer whose hop aroma doesn't get lost next to rich foods. While tasting, start from the lower IBU and cleanse your palate with water and plain crackers. Note that the stock, volume, and packaging of Amazing IPA included in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness' may vary, so check with Amazing Brewing Company's official channels and the latest product labels.
The information on Amazing IPA to reference in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness' is as follows. The official alcohol content is indicated to be 6.2%. It suits those looking for a beer whose hop aroma doesn't get lost next to rich foods. While tasting, start from the lower IBU and cleanse your palate with water and plain crackers. Note that the stock, volume, and packaging of Amazing IPA included in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness' may vary, so check with Amazing Brewing Company's official channels and the latest product labels.
양조장 어메이징브루잉컴퍼니
스타일 American IPA
도수 6.2%
향·맛 시트러스·열대과일·드라이한 마무리
구매 확인 재고·용량·패키지는 공식 판매처에서 최신 정보 확인
Mac Pie IPA
Mackpai IPA
The seventh product to consider in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness': Mackpai IPA. The brewery to note is Mackpai Brewing Company, style is American IPA, and the official description summarizes it as 'a classic American IPA with clear pine and citrus hop aromas built on a medium body.' The flavors to focus on according to the difference between the official IBU and the bitterness felt on the tongue are: pine, citrus, distinct hoppy bitterness. Observing how these characteristics show up in the glass will clarify the reason for choosing.
The information on Mackpai IPA to reference in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness' is as follows. The official alcohol content is indicated to be 6.5%. It serves as a reference for those who want to clearly compare hop aromas and bitterness. While tasting, start from the lower IBU and cleanse your palate with water and plain crackers. Note that the stock, volume, and packaging of Mackpai IPA included in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness' may vary, so check with Mackpai Brewing Company's official channels and the latest product labels.
The information on Mackpai IPA to reference in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness' is as follows. The official alcohol content is indicated to be 6.5%. It serves as a reference for those who want to clearly compare hop aromas and bitterness. While tasting, start from the lower IBU and cleanse your palate with water and plain crackers. Note that the stock, volume, and packaging of Mackpai IPA included in 'Craft Beer to Try in Order When Curious About Bitterness' may vary, so check with Mackpai Brewing Company's official channels and the latest product labels.
양조장 맥파이 브루잉 컴퍼니
스타일 American IPA
도수 6.5%
향·맛 소나무·시트러스·선명한 홉 쓴맛
구매 확인 재고·용량·패키지는 공식 판매처에서 최신 정보 확인
Take a look at how the refreshing quality and the bitterness are balanced in the low-tier Mackpai Kölsch and Seoul Forest Craft Lager. The fragrance of citrus and fruit in Seongsu-dong Pale Ale and Mackpai Pale Ale gently connects with the bitterness, while the First Love IPA changes the feeling with its hazy texture even at 40 IBU. As you move towards Amazing IPA and Mackpai IPA, the lines and lingering bitterness from West Coast hops become more pronounced.
You don’t need to drink all the products at once. Selecting one each from the 20, 30, and over 40 IBU categories and comparing just three glasses will show enough variation. Spicy or sweet foods can greatly alter the perception of bitterness, so it’s best to accompany your first comparisons with plain crackers and water. Higher numbers do not necessarily mean better quality; the goal of this list is to help you find the aromas and finishes that are comfortable for you.
You don’t need to drink all the products at once. Selecting one each from the 20, 30, and over 40 IBU categories and comparing just three glasses will show enough variation. Spicy or sweet foods can greatly alter the perception of bitterness, so it’s best to accompany your first comparisons with plain crackers and water. Higher numbers do not necessarily mean better quality; the goal of this list is to help you find the aromas and finishes that are comfortable for you.
한눈에 보기
7개
Magpie Kölsch
맥파이 브루잉 컴퍼니 · Kölsch · 4.8% · 꽃 향·가벼운 과일 향·낮은 쓴맛 · 재고·용량·패키지는 공식 판매처에서 최신 정보 확인
Seoul Forest Craft Lager
어메이징브루잉컴퍼니 · Pilsner · 5.3% · 고소한 맥아·꽃·허브·산뜻한 쓴맛 · 재고·용량·패키지는 공식 판매처에서 최신 정보 확인
Seongsu-dong Pale Ale
어메이징브루잉컴퍼니 · American Pale Ale · 4.5% · 자몽·오렌지·솔 향·가벼운 바디 · 재고·용량·패키지는 공식 판매처에서 최신 정보 확인
Mac Pie Pale Ale
맥파이 브루잉 컴퍼니 · American Pale Ale · 4.8% · 살구·감귤·가벼운 쌉쌀함 · 재고·용량·패키지는 공식 판매처에서 최신 정보 확인
First Love IPA
어메이징브루잉컴퍼니 · Hazy IPA · 6.5% · 오렌지·감귤·열대과일·달콤쌉쌀함 · 재고·용량·패키지는 공식 판매처에서 최신 정보 확인
Amazing IPA
어메이징브루잉컴퍼니 · American IPA · 6.2% · 시트러스·열대과일·드라이한 마무리 · 재고·용량·패키지는 공식 판매처에서 최신 정보 확인
Mac Pie IPA
맥파이 브루잉 컴퍼니 · American IPA · 6.5% · 소나무·시트러스·선명한 홉 쓴맛 · 재고·용량·패키지는 공식 판매처에서 최신 정보 확인
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