The English-style bitter is a very sessionable, lower-alcohol, malt-driven style. Broad style description commonly associated with cask-conditioned beers. The light- to medium-bodied ordinary bitter is gold to copper in color, with a low residual malt sweetness. Hop bitterness is medium.
English-Style Bitter
Category: Pale Ales
Food Pairings
- Roasted Chicken, Fish and Chips
- Firm English Cheeses
- Oatmeal Raisin Walnut Cookies
Commercial Examples
- Midsummer Fling, Harpoon Brewery
- Pale Ale, Rio Blanco Brewing Co.
- Redfeather, Black Raven Brewing Co.
Appearance
Color
Gold to Copper
Clarity
Clear to Brilliant
Carbonation (Visual)
Slow Rising Bubbles
Flavor/Aroma
Alcohol
Not Detectable to Mild
Hop
Hop aroma may be evident at the brewer's discretion
Malt
Low to medium residual malt sweetness is present
Esters
Fruity esters are common.
Phenols
Not common to style
Fermentation By-Products
Low-level diacetyl aromas and flavor are acceptable
Sensations
Body
Drying to Soft
Carbonation
Low
Finish Length
Short
Attenuation
Medium - High
Ingredients
Hops
Kent Goldings
Malt
British Pale Ale, Aromatic, Crystal, Special Roast
Water
Varies
Yeast
Ale
