BJCP 11B · British Bitter
Best Bitter
A mid-strength English bitter with biscuity, caramel malt, earthy hops and firm bitterness. The classic British pub cask ale.
Best Bitter by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 3.8 – 4.6%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 25 – 40 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 8 – 16 SRM16–32 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.040 – 1.048on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.008 – 1.012on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What Best Bitter is like
A pub ale with more body and malt than an Ordinary Bitter, but with the same balance tilted toward bitterness. The malt brings biscuit and caramel, the English hops earthy or floral notes, and the yeast a bit of fruit. Easy to drink and full of flavor.
Appearance
Amber to medium copper, clear. Low to moderate head, white to cream.
Aroma
Biscuity or bready malt with some caramel, earthy, floral or herbal English hops and moderate fruity esters. Very low diacetyl is possible.
Flavor
Medium to moderately high bitterness, balanced by more malt than in an Ordinary Bitter, with biscuit and caramel. Moderate hop flavor and fruit from the yeast. Dry, bitter finish.
Mouthfeel
Medium-light to medium body. Low carbonation and perhaps a light warmth in stronger versions.
Where Best Bitter comes from
It started out as each brewery's “special” or “best” bitter, a step up from the everyday one. It's a style born for cask ale pulled by hand pump in British pubs.
Ingredients
English pale malt with caramel malt and sometimes a touch of sugar. Classic English hops such as Goldings, Fuggles or Challenger. English ale yeast and water with some sulfate.
Brew it yourself
How to brew Best Bitter at home
Ferment at 18-20 °C (64-68 °F) with an English yeast and go easy on the caramel malt: 5-10% is plenty. Carbonate low and serve at 10-12 °C (50-54 °F). The classic mistake is a sweetish beer from too much caramel malt and too little bitterness.
Food pairing
Great with burgers, roast chicken or a roast beef sandwich.
Glassware: nonic pint glass, the classic pub glass, made for long drinks.
Classic examples
- Fuller's London Pride
- Timothy Taylor Landlord
Frequently asked questions
How strong is Best Bitter?
Between 3.8% and 4.6% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a moderate strength.
How bitter is Best Bitter?
It has 25 to 40 IBUs, a moderate bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is Best Bitter?
Amber to light brown: 8 to 16 SRM (16 to 32 EBC).
What food pairs well with Best Bitter?
Great with burgers, roast chicken or a roast beef sandwich.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try Ordinary Bitter and Strong Bitter.
If you like Best Bitter, try these
Classification and statistics: official Best Bitter guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.