4. Bitter and English Pale Ale

STYLE OG FG ABV% IBU SRM
A. Ordinary Bitter 1.030-38 1.008-13 3.0-3.8 20-40 6-14
B. Special or Best Bitter 1.039-45 1.009-14 3.7-4.8 20-45 6-14
C. Strong Bitter/English Pale Ale 1.046-65 1.011-20 4.4-6.2 30-65 6-14

4A. Ordinary Bitter

Aroma: Hop aroma can range from moderate to none. Diacetyl and caramel aromas also moderate to none. Should have mild to moderate fruitiness. The best examples have some malt aroma.

Appearance: Medium gold to medium copper-brown. May have very little head due to low carbonation.

Flavor: Medium to high bitterness. May or may not have hop flavor, diacetyl and fruitiness. Crystal malt flavor very common. Balance varies from even to decidedly bitter, although the bitterness should not completely overpower the malt flavor.

Mouthfeel: Light to medium-light body. Carbonation low, although bottled examples can have moderate carbonation.

Overall Impression: Low gravity, low alcohol levels and low carbonation make this an easy-drinking beer.

History: Originally a draught ale served very fresh under no pressure (gravity or hand pump only) at cellar temperatures. Note that recently some British brewers have been using American hops (e.g., Cascade), but beers made like this fit better into the American pale ale guideline.

Comments: The lightest of the bitters.

Ingredients: Pale ale malt, crystal malts, English hops, often medium sulfate water are used.

Vital Statistics:
OG: 1.030-1.038
IBUs: 20-40
FG: 1.008-1.013
SRM: 6-14
ABV: 3-3.8%

Commercial Examples: Henley's Brakspear Bitter, Boddington's Pub Draught, Thomas Hardy Country Bitter, Young's Bitter, Fuller's Chiswick Bitter.

4B. Special or Best Bitter

Aroma: Hop aroma can range from high to none. Diacetyl and caramel aroma moderate to none. Moderate fruitiness. The best examples have some malt aroma.

Appearance: Medium gold to medium copper-brown. May have very little head due to low carbonation.

Flavor: Diacetyl and fruitiness moderate to none. Malt flavor apparent. Medium to high bitterness. Some crystal malt flavor and a moderate amount of hop flavor are common. Balance varies from even to decidedly bitter, although the bitterness should not completely overpower the malt flavor.

Mouthfeel: Medium-light to medium body. Carbonation low, although bottled examples can have moderate carbonation.

Overall Impression: A flavorful, yet refreshing, session beer.

History: Originally a draught ale served very fresh under no pressure (gravity or hand pump only) at cellar temperatures. Note that recently some British brewers have been using American hops (e.g., Cascade), but beers made like this fit better into the American pale ale guideline.

Comments: More evident malt flavor than in an ordinary bitter.

Ingredients: Pale ale malt, crystal malt, English hops, often medium sulfate water is used.

Vital Statistics:
OG: 1.039-1.045
IBUs: 20-45
FG: 1.009-1.014
SRM: 6-14
ABV: 3.7-4.8%

Commercial Examples: Young's Ramrod, Fuller's London Pride, Adnam's Suffolk Extra, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Shepherd Neame Masterbrew Bitter, Goose Island Honkers Ale, Spanish Peaks Black Dog Ale, Nor'Wester Best Bitter.

4C. Strong Bitter/English Pale Ale

Aroma: Hop aroma high to none. Diacetyl and caramel aroma moderate to none. Moderate fruitiness. Malt aroma apparent.

Appearance: Copper to dark amber-brown. May have very little head.

Flavor: Malt flavors evident. Crystal malt flavor common. Hop flavor ranges from low to strong. Diacetyl and fruitiness moderate to none. Balance varies from even to quite bitter, although malt flavor should not be completely overpowered.

Mouthfeel: Medium to medium-full body. Carbonation low, although bottled pale ales tend to have moderate carbonation. Warming from alcohol may be noticeable, but should not be strong.

Overall Impression: A solidly flavored beer both in terms of malt and hops.

History: Originally a draught ale served very fresh under no pressure(gravity or hand pump only) at cellar temperatures. Note that recently some British brewers have been using American hops (e.g., Cascade), but beers made like this fit better into the American pale ale guideline.

Comments: More evident malt and hop flavors than in a special or best bitter. English pale ale has long been referred to as "bottled bitter."

Ingredients: Pale ale malt, crystal malt, English hops, often medium sulfate water is used.

Vital Statistics:
OG: 1.046-1.065
IBUs: 30-65
FG: 1.011-1.020
SRM: 6-14
ABV: 4.4-6.2%

Commercial Examples: Fullers ESB, Bateman's XXXB, Young's Strong Export Bitter (sold in the US as Young's Special London Ale), Ushers 1824 Particular Ale, Oasis ESB, Big Time ESB, Shepherd Neame Bishop's Finger, Fullers 1845, bottled Bass Ale, Whitbread, Royal Oak, Shepherd Neame Spitfire.
4.A. British Bitter - extract - Northern Brewer
OG: 1.033 / Ready: 5 weeks Suitable for beginners

A true-to-style ale, the mainstay of publicans throughout England. Don't be misled by the name; British bitters are actually well balanced beers, neither too hoppy nor too malty. This kit is low in gravity, making it a great "session" beer. For a real touch of authenticity, serve it at cellar temperature (about 55° F) in Imperial pint glasses.

3.3 lbs. Gold Malt Syrup
1 lb. Light DME
1/2 lb. UK Carastan
1 oz. Northern Brewer (60 min)
1 oz. Kent Goldings (1-2 min)
Wyeast British Ale #1098

4.A. EVERYDAY BRITISH ALE - 20 min. extract - Midwest Supplies

We’re not suggesting that you drink this ale everyday, however that is how Bitters are consumed in England. They drink these ales like Americans drink Budwieser. A nice light tasting ale. Our ingredients for this recipe include:

4 lb. Muntons Connoisseur Traditional Bitter hopped can kit
1 lb. of Light Dried Malt Extract
1/2 oz. Fuggle aroma hops
priming sugar
yeast

4.A. ENGLISH BITTER - Partial Mash - Midwest Supplies

Bitter is the most popular draft beer in England. Despite its astringent name, it has less hop flavor than pale ale. We eased off of the hops a bit with this recipe making it a perfect homebrew when you're in the mood for 3 or 4+ beers. Rumor has it in England that this style of beer will make you live longer. Our ingredients for this recipe include:

3.3 pounds of Gold liquid malt extract
1.25 pounds of Alexanders Pale Malt
1/2 pound of specialty grains
2 ounces of Kent goldings hops
yeast
priming sugar
muslin bag

4.A. English Tavern Bitter - Extract - Wind River

A classic every day beer of English pub life. This beer has a great deal of hop bitterness and a strong floral hop aroma. A great pale beer for the hop lover. If "more hops" is your motto try this kit. The kit includes:

6 lbs. Gold Malt Extract
2 oz. Northern Brewer bittering hops
1 oz. Fuggles aroma hops
1 oz. Goldings aroma hops
1/2 lb. Crystal 10° L
1/2 lb. Carapils grain blend
Wyeast 1968 ESB Ale yeast
priming sugar

4.B. Special Bitter - All Grain - Northern Brewer
Ready: 6 weeks

The addition of Lyle's Golden Syrup, an English invert sugar, lightens the body and gives an authentic British touch to this homebrewed knockoff of a famous London bitter.

7# UK Pale Ale
1/2# Wheat + 2 oz UK Dark Crystal
11 oz Lyle's Golden Syrup
1 oz Target (60 min)
1/2 oz Kent Goldings (15 min)
1/2 oz Kent Goldings (5 min)
1 oz Kent Goldings (dry hop)
Wyeast London ESB #1968

4.B. BIG BEN PALE ALE - Partial Mash - Midwest Supplies

An Ale in the finest English Tradition. If you drink too much of this fine Pale Ale, you'll start seeing red double decker buses, hearing the Benny Hill Theme Song, and talking like a bloody idiot. So enjoy in moderation. Seriously, this ale has a rich malty base balanced with pleasantly sharp hop flavor. Our ingredients for this recipe include:

3.3 pounds of Gold malt extract
3.3 pounds of Amber malt extract
1 pound of specialty grains
2 ounces of hops
yeast
priming sugar
muslin bag

4.B. London Pride Ale - All Grain - St.Pat's

10 lb Briess pale ale malt
1/2 lb victory
1 lb crystal 10
1.5 oz Challenger (60)
1 oz Golding (30)
1 oz Golding (5)
London Ale III yeast
3/4 cup corn sugar

4.B. Bitter - Extract - St.Pat's
OG 1.043 4% alc.

Actually more sweet than bitter.

1 lb crystal 30
1/4 lb special roast
6 lb Moravian pale
1.5 oz Challenger
1 oz Goldings
Thames Valley yeast
3/4 cup corn sugar

4.C.Extra-Sensory Bitter - extract - Northern Brewer
OG: 1.047 / Ready: 6 weeks

Quite possibly the ultimate hop experience. An ounce of Target gives a mouth-puckering bitterness, while Kent Goldings and Fuggle hops make sure you'll know this beer from across a roomwhile wearing a blindfold. All this is balanced with a judicious amount of gold malt syrup and a sweet, fruity yeast strain.

6.6 lbs. Gold Malt Syrup
1 lb. UK Medium Crystal
1 oz. Target (60 min)
1 oz. Kent Goldings (30 min)
1 oz Fuggle (10 min)
1 oz. Kent Goldings (1-2 min)
Wyeast Special London #1968

4.C. British Pale Ale - All Grain - Northern Brewer
Ready: 6 weeks

Single-step infusion mash makes this popular, dry, and hoppy ale excellent for a first venture into All Grain.

8# UK Pale Ale
1/2# UK Medium Crystal
1 oz Target (60 min)
1 oz Kent Goldings (20 min)
1 oz Kent Goldings (1-2)
Wyeast British Ale #1098

4.C. West Coast ESB - All Grain - Northern Brewer
Ready: 6 weeks

Our version of the Pacific Northwest microbrew versions of the English classic. Pale amber and quite hoppy.

9# US 2 row
1/2# US 40 Crystal
1 oz Galena (60 min)
1 oz Willamette (15 min)
1 oz Willamette (1-2 min)
Wyeast American Ale II #1272

4.C. BRASS ALE(Bass) - Partial Mash - Midwest Supplies

This exclusive recipe is hard to duplicate, however we have found a recipe that comes as close as we’ve tasted. Copper in color, this brew has a well balanced flavor and a malty aroma. The creamy white head will make you anxious to drink this fine ale. Our ingredients for this recipe include:

6 lbs. of light malt extract
1 lb of British Crystal Malt Lov. 55
000 oz of Target bittering hops
1 oz of Challenger aroma hops
1 tsp. burton water salts
1 tsp. Irish moss
Muslin bag
priming sugar
yeast

4.C. RED HOOD ESB(Red Hook) - Partial Mash - Midwest Supplies

Don’t be afraid of the abbreviation ESB. (Extra Special Bitter) This copper colored ale has a medium body mild malt flavor. The hop flavor is well balanced with a complex finish. This recipe is a great alternative to pale ale. Our ingredients for this recipe include:

4 lbs. of Alexander’s Pale malt extract
3 lbs. of Light dried malt extract
13 oz. of Specialty grains
2 oz of bittering hops
1/2 oz of flavoring hops
1 oz. aroma hops
1 tsp. Irish moss
Muslin bag
priming sugar
yeast

4.C. CLASSIC ESB - Partial Mash - Midwest Supplies

Our Extra Special Bitter recipe is brewed in true British tradition. Slightly drier than Pale Ales. Balanced malt and hop flavor will make this beer a favorite among British ale brewers. Our ingredients for this recipe include:

6 pounds of Gold malt extract
3 carefully selected specialty grains
Gypsum
2 ounces of Kent Golding bittering hops
1.5 ounces of Fuggle aroma hops
Irish Moss
yeast
priming sugar
muslin bag

4.C. 2nd Times a Charm ESB - 2.5 gal. Partial Mash - Brian Johnson/David Weiler
OG: 1059 / FG: 1025

Crystal (60L) 1 lb.
Wheat malt 0.25 lb.
Light extract syrup 3.3 lb.
Amber dry extract 0.5 lb.
Maltodextrin 1 cup
Cascade 1.5 oz. 60 min.
Cascade 0.5 oz. 5 min.
Yeast: Doric dry

Mash Schedule
Grains steeped @125 degrees for 20 min.

Brewing Time: apparently at least for 60 min.

Fermentation:
Primary 5 days @70 degrees in plastic
Secondary 3 days @70 degrees in plastic

4.C. Iron Range Strong Ale - Extract - Wind River

A strong ale that matches the character of the iron workers on the "range" in Northern Minnesota. Has a maltiness that is balanced with a good dose of hops. This beer will develop some complex fruity overtones when aged. A great beer to have with a meal or to enjoy the moonlight bouncing off the snow on a winters night. The kit includes:

6 lbs. Amber malt extract
3.3 lbs. Dark malt extract
2 oz. Mt. Hood bittering hops
1 oz. Tettnanger aroma hops
1/2 lb. Crystal 50°L
1/2 lb. Toasted malt
Wyeast 1056 American Ale yeast
priming sugar

4.C ESB - All Grain - St.Pat's

11 lb Briess pale ale
1 lb maize
1/2 lb crystal 30
1/4 lb CaraB
2 oz Challenger
1 oz Goldings
ESB Ale yeast
3/4 cup corn sugar

4.C. English Pale Ale - Extract - St.Pat's
OG 1.049 4.5% alc.

Golding hop. ala Bass.

1 lb crystal 10
7 lb Moravian pale
1.5 oz Challenger
1 oz Goldings
British Ale yeast
3/4 cup corn sugar