What does SRM stand for in the brewing process?

In the brewing process, SRM stands for Standard Reference Method. This measurement is crucial as it quantifies the color of beer. The SRM scale provides a reliable system for brewers to determine and communicate the visual appearance of their beers, influencing consumer expectations and style classification. The SRM value is derived from the measurement of light absorption at a specific wavelength, which correlates with the beer's color intensity. A higher SRM indicates a darker beer, while a lower SRM corresponds to a lighter color.

The other terms from the choices do not relate to the standard brewing processes or color measurements in brewing. Standard Rice Measurement and Specific Residual Malt do not have recognized applications in brewing, and Standard Recovery Metric does not pertain to beer color or brewing standards. Understanding the SRM is vital for brewers to maintain consistency in their products and to meet both production and consumer preferences.