BJCP 11C · British Bitter
Strong Bitter
The maltiest, strongest English bitter: caramel, fruit, earthy hops and firm bitterness. Richer and rounder than its smaller siblings.
Strong Bitter by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 4.6 – 6.2%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 30 – 50 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 8 – 18 SRM16–35 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.048 – 1.060on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.010 – 1.016on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What Strong Bitter is like
A bitter with more alcohol and body, where the malt steps forward with caramel and fruit notes while hops and bitterness stay in the lead. It's richer and rounder than a Best Bitter without losing its pub-beer character.
Appearance
Amber to deep copper, clear. Low to moderate head, white to cream.
Aroma
Moderate to high malt with caramel and biscuit, plus earthy, floral or herbal English hops. Moderate to high fruity esters; very low diacetyl is allowed.
Flavor
Medium to high bitterness over a malt rich in caramel and biscuit, with more sweetness than the other bitters. Moderate hop flavor and fruit from the yeast. Medium-dry to dry finish with a bitter aftertaste.
Mouthfeel
Medium to medium-full body. Low to moderate carbonation and light warmth.
Where Strong Bitter comes from
It covers both the stronger cask bitters and bottled export pale ales. Fuller's ESB is the benchmark example and lent its name to many imitations in the United States.
Ingredients
English pale malt with caramel malts and sometimes some sugar or corn. English hops such as Goldings, Fuggles or Northdown. Fruity English ale yeast and water with moderate sulfate.
Brew it yourself
How to brew Strong Bitter at home
Ferment at 18-20 °C (64-68 °F) and leave the beer on the yeast for a few days after fermentation ends so it can reabsorb the diacetyl. Mash at 65-67 °C (149-153 °F). The classic mistake is a beer that tips toward sweetness: bitterness still has to lead.
Food pairing
Pair it with a meat stew, lamb pie or aged cheese.
Glassware: nonic pint glass, the classic pub glass, made for long drinks.
Classic examples
- Fuller's ESB
- Shepherd Neame Bishop's Finger
Frequently asked questions
How strong is Strong Bitter?
Between 4.6% and 6.2% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a moderate strength.
How bitter is Strong Bitter?
It has 30 to 50 IBUs, a high bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is Strong Bitter?
Amber to brown: 8 to 18 SRM (16 to 35 EBC).
What food pairs well with Strong Bitter?
Pair it with a meat stew, lamb pie or aged cheese.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try Best Bitter, English IPA and American Amber Ale.
If you like Strong Bitter, try these
Classification and statistics: official Strong Bitter guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.