11B Best Bitter

British Bitter

2021 Guidelines

Overall Impression

A flavorful, yet refreshing, session beer. Some examples can be more malt balanced, but this should not override the overall bitter impression. Drinkability is a critical component of the style.

Aroma

Low to moderate malt aroma, often (but not always) with a low to medium-low caramel quality. Bready, biscuit, or lightly toasty malt complexity is common. Mild to moderate fruitiness. Hop aroma can range from moderate to none, typically with a floral, earthy, resiny, or fruity character. Generally no diacetyl, although very low levels are allowed.

Appearance

Pale amber to medium copper color. Good to brilliant clarity. Low to moderate white to off-white head. May have very little head due to low carbonation.

Flavor

Medium to moderately high bitterness. Moderately low to moderately high fruity esters. Moderate to low hop flavor, typically with an earthy, resiny, fruity, or floral character. Low to medium maltiness with a dry finish. The malt profile is typically bready, biscuity, or lightly toasty. Low to moderate caramel or toffee flavors are optional. Balance is often decidedly bitter, although the bitterness should not completely overpower the malt flavor, esters and hop flavor. Generally no diacetyl, although very low levels are allowed.

Mouthfeel

Medium-light to medium body. Low carbonation, although bottled examples can have moderate carbonation.

Statistics

ABV 3.8% - 4.6%

IBU 25 - 40

SRM

8 - 16

Original Gravity (OG) 1.04 - 1.048

Final Gravity (FG) 1.008 - 1.012

Comments

More evident malt flavor than in an ordinary bitter; this is a stronger, session-strength ale.

History

See comments in category introduction.

Characteristic Ingredients

Pale ale, amber, or crystal malts. Most contain sugar. May use a touch of caramel or dark malt for color adjustment. May use corn or wheat. English finishing hops are most traditional, but any hops are fair game; if American hops are used, a light touch is required. Characterful British yeast.

Style Comparison

More alcohol than an ordinary bitter, and often using higher-quality ingredients. Less alcohol than a strong bitter. More caramel or base malt character and color than a British Golden Ale. Emphasis is on the bittering hop addition as opposed to the aggressive middle and late hopping seen in American ales.

Commercial Examples

Adnams Southwold Bitter

Fuller's London Pride

Harvey’s Sussex Best Bitter

Salopian Darwin’s Origin

Surrey Hills Shere Drop

Timothy Taylor Landlord

Beer Styles