British Bitter
The family of British bitters grew out of English pale ales as a draught product in the late 1800s. The use of crystal malts in bitters became more widespread after WWI. Traditionally served very fresh under no pressure (gravity or hand pump only) at cellar temperatures (i.e., “real ale”). Most bottled or kegged versions of UK-produced bitters are often higher-alcohol and more highly carbonated versions of cask products produced for export, and have a different character and balance than their draught counterparts in Britain (often being sweeter and less hoppy than the cask versions). These guidelines reflect the “real ale” version of the style, not the export formulations of commercial products. Several regional variations of bitter exist, ranging from darker, sweeter versions served with nearly no head to brighter, hoppier, paler versions with large foam stands, and everything in between. Judges should not over-emphasize the caramel component of these styles. Exported bitters can be oxidized, which increases caramellike flavors (as well as more negative flavors). Do not assume that oxidation-derived flavors are traditional or required for the style.
Details
Ratings
Ordinary Bitter (Standard)
M
monk
100 0 1 0
Brewery
Beer Information
Serving types:
- Bottled 12oz
Alcohol by Volume (ABV):
4.6%
Availability:
Available Year-round
Ordinary Bitter (Standard)
M
monk
106 0 1 0
Brewery
Beer Information
Serving types:
- Cask Conditioned
Alcohol by Volume (ABV):
3.9%
Availability:
Available Year-round
Ordinary Bitter (Standard)
M
monk
110 0 1 0
Brewery
Ordinary Bitter (Standard)
M
monk
104 0 1 0
Brewery
Beer Information
Serving types:
- On Tap
- Box
Alcohol by Volume (ABV):
4.2%
Availability:
Available Year-round
Best Bitter
M
monk
101 0 1 0
Brewery
Beer Information
Serving types:
- Cask Conditioned
Alcohol by Volume (ABV):
4.4%
Availability:
Available Year-round
Best Bitter
M
monk
102 0 1 0
Brewery
Beer Information
Serving types:
- Cask Conditioned
Alcohol by Volume (ABV):
3.8%
Availability:
Available Year-round
Ordinary Bitter (Standard)
M
monk
91 0 1 0
Brewery
Beer Information
Serving types:
- Cask Conditioned
Alcohol by Volume (ABV):
3.9%
Availability:
Available Year-round
Strong Bitter
M
monk
106 0 1 0
Brewery
Best Bitter
T
thecellarmonk
101 0 1 0
Beer Information
Serving types:
- Cask Conditioned
Alcohol by Volume (ABV):
4.3%
Availability:
Available Year-round
Best Bitter
M
monk
89 0 0 1
Brewery