English Bitter is a classic beer style deeply rooted in British brewing culture and history. This beer style originated in England in the 19th century and has since been a favorite among beer drinkers both in the UK and around the world.
English Bitter is typically divided into three main categories: Standard/Ordinary Bitter, Best/Special/Premium Bitter, and Extra Strong Bitter (ESB). The first is the lighter variant, with an alcohol content between 3.2-3.8%, while Best/Special/Premium Bitter has an alcohol content between 3.8-4.6%. ESB is a stronger version, with an alcohol content between 4.6% and 6.2%. ESB also has a more prominent malt and hop profile, which gives a richer taste and aroma.
English Bitter - Flavor Profile
English Bitter is a type of Pale Ale, known for its balanced and complex flavor profile. The sweetness of the malt provides notes of caramel and bread, while the bitterness of the hops contributes a subtle yet distinct bitterness. Some varieties may also have a light fruity taste, which comes from the yeast.
The flavor is often malt-dominated, with notes of caramel, nuts, and bread. The hop aroma is usually subtle, with hints of flowers, herbs, and spices.
The mouthfeel is medium to light, with moderate carbonation. This contributes to a refreshing and easy-drinking beer, which still has enough flavor and complexity to be interesting.
English Bitter is easy to drink and enjoyable, thanks to its balanced flavor, moderate alcohol content, and refreshing mouthfeel.
Ingredients for Brewing English Bitter
Malt
Pale malt is the main ingredient, often making up 90% or more of the grist. To add a little depth and complexity to the flavor, a small amount of crystal malt or chocolate malt can also be included.
Hops:
Traditionally, English hop varieties such as Fuggles or East Kent Goldings are used. These provide an earthy, floral, and slightly spicy aroma and flavor that perfectly complements the malt profile.
Yeast:
Yeast is important for creating the characteristic flavor of an English Bitter. English yeast strains like WLP002 English Ale Yeast, SafAle S-04, or Lallemand's London ESB are ideal. They provide a light fruity character and contribute to a good balance between malt and hops in the finished beer.
Brewing Process for English Bitter
The brewing process for an English Bitter is relatively simple and straightforward. It starts with mashing the malt, usually at a temperature of around 66-68°C. This is followed by boiling, where hops are added in several stages to provide bitterness, flavor, and aroma.
Fermentation takes place at a temperature of around 18-20°C, which is ideal for English yeast strains. This gives the beer its characteristic fruity character, while also highlighting the balance between malt and hops.
After fermentation, it is important to let the beer mature for a few weeks before drinking. This will help the flavors develop and harmonize, resulting in a rounder and more balanced beer.
Example Recipe for Brewing English Best Bitter
Here is an example recipe for a 25L batch of an English Bitter:
- 5 kg Pale Ale Malt
- 500g Crystal Malt
- 50g East Kent Goldings (60 min)
- 25g East Kent Goldings (15 min)
- 1 packet WLP002 English Ale Yeast (alternatively SafAle S-04 or Lallemand's London ESB for dry yeast)
Details:
- OG: 1.045
- FG: 1.011
- IBU: 35
- EBC: 30
- Alcohol content: 4.5%
- Fermentation temperature: 18-20°C
In short, English Bitter is a classic beer style that is both fun and easy to brew at home. With the right ingredients and a little patience, you can create a beer that is true to style and a joy to drink. Cheers!
Feel free to check out our ESB beer kit in collaboration with the brewery ØX in Trondheim:
