English Ales: Extra Special/Strong Bitter (ESB)
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.
- Color: Amber to deep copper
- Clarity: Chill haze is acceptable at low temperatures
- Malt Profile: Medium to medium-high
- Hop Profile: Medium to medium-high
- Bitterness: Medium to medium-high
- Fermentation: 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.
- Body: Medium
- ABV: 4.8%-5.8%
- ABW: 3.8%-4.6%
- IBU: 30-45
- Color (SRM): 8-17
- Color (EBC): 16-34
- 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
Style info provided entirely or in part by the Brewers Association 2021 beer style guidelines.
9 Extra Special/Strong Bitter (ESB) Reviewed
Highest Rated In Style
- 9.00 Harvest Ale by Goose Island Beer Co.
- 8.92 Lord Admiral Nelson by Three Floyds Brewing Company
- 8.59 Magnus ete Tomahawkus ESB² by Rock Art Brewery
- 8.46 Scarlet Lady Ale by Stoudts Brewing Company
- 8.00 Anvil ESB Ale by AleSmith Brewing Company
- 7.46 Autumn Ale by Short's Brewing Company
- 7.00 Farmington River Mahogany Ale by Mercury Brewing Company
- 7.00 Sawtooth Ale by Left Hand Brewing Company