Special Bitter or Best Bitter

Special Bitter or Best Bitter is an English Ale beer style. Brewers Association category: Special Bitter or Best Bitter. It typically presents as deep gold to deep copper.

ABV: 4.2%-4.8%
IBU: 28-40
COLOR / SRM SCALE: 6-14
OG: 1.038-1.045
FG: 1.006-1.012

Alcohol & Bitterness

ABV:4.2%-4.8%

ABW:3.3%-3.8%

IBU:28-40

Perceived Bitterness:

Medium and not harsh

Color & Appearance

Color:

Deep gold to deep copper

SRM:6-14

EBC:12-28

Clarity:

Chill haze is acceptable at low temperatures

Gravity & Body

Original Gravity:1.038-1.045

Original Gravity °P:9.5-11.2

Final Gravity:1.006-1.012

Final Gravity °P:1.5-3.1

Body:

Medium When using these guidelines as the basis for evaluating entries at competitions, competition organizers may choose to create subcategories which reflect English and American hop character. Original Gravity (°Plato) 1.038-1.045 (9.5-11.2 °Plato) • Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (°Plato) 1.006-1.012 (1.5-3.1 °Plato) • Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 3.3%-3.8% (4.2%-4.8%) • Hop Bitterness (IBU) 28-40 • Color SRM (EBC) 6-14 (12-28 EBC)

Flavor Profiles

Malt Profile:

Medium residual malt sweetness should be present

Hop Profile:

Very low to medium at the brewer's discretion

Fermentation Character:

Low carbonation traditionally characterizes draft-cask versions, but in bottled versions, a slight increase in carbon dioxide content is acceptable. Fruity esters are acceptable. Diacetyl is usually absent in these beers but may be present at low levels.

2026 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines used with permission of Brewers Association .

No beers have been reviewed in this style.