Extra Special/Strong Bitter (ESB)

Extra Special/Strong Bitter (ESB) is an English Ale beer style. Brewers Association category: Extra Special Bitter. It typically presents as amber to deep copper.

Notes: Entries in this subcategory exhibit hop aroma and flavor attributes typical of traditional English hop varieties.

ABV: 4.8%-5.8%
IBU: 30-45
COLOR / SRM SCALE: 8-17
OG: 1.046-1.060
FG: 1.010-1.016

Alcohol & Bitterness

ABV:4.8%-5.8%

ABW:3.8%-4.6%

IBU:30-45

Perceived Bitterness:

Medium to medium-high

Color & Appearance

Color:

Amber to deep copper

SRM:8-17

EBC:16-34

Clarity:

Chill haze is acceptable at low temperatures

Gravity & Body

Original Gravity:1.046-1.060

Original Gravity °P:11.4-14.7

Final Gravity:1.010-1.016

Final Gravity °P:2.6-4.1

Body:

Medium

Flavor Profiles

Malt Profile:

Medium to medium-high. Malt-forward profile can be complex, exhibiting note of biscuit, toast, and nuttiness without being overly sweet.

Hop Profile:

Medium to mediumhigh

Fermentation Character:

Low carbonation traditionally characterizes draft-cask versions, but in bottled versions, a slight increase in carbon dioxide content is acceptable. The overall impression is refreshing and thirst quenching. 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.