Ordinary Bitter

An Ordinary Bitter is a low-gravity, low-alcohol British pale ale style designed for high drinkability and session-style consumption. Despite the name, it is neither overwhelmingly bitter nor ordinary in flavor complexity.

Notes: A refreshing, low-alcohol session beer where the balance tilts toward a firm hop bitterness, supported by a subtle malt backbone.

ABV: 3.0%-4.2%
IBU: 20-35
COLOR / SRM SCALE: 8-14
OG: 1.033-1.038
FG: 1.006-1.012

Alcohol & Bitterness

ABV:3.0%-4.2%

ABW:2.4%-3.3%

IBU:20-35

Perceived Bitterness:

Medium

Color & Appearance

Color:

Gold to copper-colored

SRM:8-14

Clarity:

Chill haze is allowable at cold temperatures

Gravity & Body

Original Gravity:1.033-1.038

Original Gravity °P:8.3-9.5

Final Gravity:1.006-1.012

Final Gravity °P:1.5-3.1

Body:

Low to medium

Flavor Profiles

Malt Profile:

Low to medium residual malt sweetness should be present

Hop Profile:

Very low to medium-low

Fermentation Character:

Mild 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.