BU:GU Ratio Accuracy/Helpfulness

[sweaterman]

I have been looking over the BU:GU ratios and I understand the concept. What I don't understand is where different styles fall on the chart. To me, an IPA is more bitter and less sweet than a IIPA. I get that given the numbers (IBU and OG) the ratio should look like it would be more bitter - but I just don't think that is how it plays out.

I don't understand the helpfulness of this if the actual results are so varying. It's like have one theory that explains everything. If it explains everything that is actually explains nothing.

 

[beergolf]

Here this should help a little.

http://www.madalchemist.com/chart_bitterness_ratio.html