What level of bitterness (IBU) would you expect in a beer with a lower IBU rating, such as 8-15 IBU?

A beer with an IBU (International Bitterness Units) rating of 8-15 is generally considered to have a low level of bitterness. This range is typically found in styles that are characterized by a more malty or fruity profile rather than hop bitterness. Weisse beers (or Hefeweizens), which fall within this range, are known for their cloudy appearance, fruity esters (like banana and clove), and soft mouthfeel, making them quite refreshing. Their low bitterness enhances the perception of sweetness from the malt and the fruity yeast characteristics.

In contrast, styles like IPAs (India Pale Ales) are known for their high hop content and therefore will have much higher IBU ratings, often starting around 40 and going much higher. Maibocks and Doppelbocks also tend to showcase more malt sweetness with a balanced or sometimes higher bitterness depending on the interpretation, but they typically will still not fall into the low IBU category as prominently as Weisse/Hefeweizens. Thus, when considering the characteristics of the beer styles and their bitterness levels, the Weisse/Hefeweizen aligns perfectly with the low IBU rating provided in the question.