British Bitter
Introduction – by Firkin Ron
The term beer style refers to a broad set of descriptors used to differentiate and categorize types of beers. In short, descriptors such as color, flavor, strength, ingredients, production method, recipe, history, and origin create the framework for establishing the style of a beer.
And almost any time you buy a beer, the beer lists its style on the packaging. Why? To provide the buyer with a basic preview and understanding of the beer’s look, smell, taste and drinkability.
Today, there are hundreds of documented beer styles and a handful of organizations with their own unique classifications. However, the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) provides one of the most commonly used set of style guidelines.
This week’s beer style overview features British Bitter. Yorkshire Square Brewery in Torrance, CA makes a delicious British Bitter called Early Doors.
Early Doors at Yorkshire Square Brewery
My friend Owen Ogletree, a BJCP National Certified Beer Judge, has agreed to start the series off. Thanks Owen!
British Bitter Overview – by Owen Ogletree
In my opinion, there’s nothing better than a pint of cask English Bitter ale in a beautiful pub in the UK. Unfortunately, this national drink of England is on a downturn, with handpump taps now being filled with hazy IPAs and pastry beers (sound familiar?). Bitter is being called “boring brown beer” by some younger drinkers. I think there is nothing boring about a well-made and well-kept British Bitter. Not really bitter at all, these malty ales offer elegant nuances of UK pale malt, crystal malt, woody/floral English hops, bread crust, toffee, and pleasant fruity esters from British ale yeast.
British Bitter exists in three levels, based on strength: Ordinary Bitter around 3.5% ABV, Best Bitter close to 4.5% and Strong Bitter in the 5.5% range. Ordinary Bitter is delicate with a short shelf life, so this refreshing, dry, quaffable style has become really hard to find in the UK. Best Bitter is the most popular. Strong Bitter is also known as Extra Special Bitter, but Fuller’s Brewery in London owns the “ESB” trademark in the UK. However, Fuller’s ESB is actually a bit too robust and malty to be a classic Strong Bitter. Wrecking Bar Brewpub, Akademia Brewing Company, Twain’s Brewpub & Billiards, Good Word Brewing & Public House and Arches Brewing in Georgia all brew a wonderful Strong Bitter. Who else makes one?
About Owen Ogletree
Owen is founder/editor of Brewtopia LLC. In addition, he is columnist for Southern Brew News and Beer Connoisseur Magazine, lecturer at Knoxville’s Brewing & Distilling Center, founder/director of the Atlanta Cask Ale Tasting and Classic City Brew Fest, and a BJCP National Beer Judge. Owen has also served as a beer judge at the Great American Beer Festival and the Great British Beer Festival.