Extra Special/Strong Bitter (ESB)

Extra Special/Strong Bitter (ESB) is an English Ale beer style. It typically presents as amber to deep copper. Medium to medium-high. Medium to medium-high.

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

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

Hop Profile:

Medium to medium-high

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.

Style info provided entirely or in part by the Brewers Association beer style guidelines.

No beers have been reviewed in this style.