What characteristic does SRM specifically measure?

SRM, which stands for Standard Reference Method, specifically measures the color of the beer. This measurement involves assessing how much light passes through a sample of beer, with darker beers absorbing more light and thus receiving a higher SRM value. The SRM scale quantifies color intensity, making it a valuable tool for brewers in evaluating and comparing the appearance of different beers.

Understanding SRM is essential in brewing as it helps brewers achieve the desired color profiles for their beer styles, which is significant for both aesthetic appeal and consumer expectations. In the brewing community, specific color ranges are often associated with certain styles, and SRM provides a standardized way to communicate and maintain these characteristics across batches.