Beer Style 101: Classic English Bitter

English Bitters are gold to copper coloured with a medium body and medium hop bitterness. I has a slight residual malt sweetness and a earthy hop character. Usually made with English hops like Kent Golding but more and more other hop variates are being used in Bitters.

English Bitters have low carbon levels and is traditionally served from wood casks as “Real Ale”. But bottled and tap versions are more common in South Africa.

This beer has a low but clear fruity ester taste from the top fermenting ale yeast and a slight haze in most cases.

ABV: Bitters come in three varieties,

Ordinary bitter: under 3% alc.

Best or Special Bitter: 3 – 4 % alc

and Extra Special: 5 – 6 % alc

Food Pairing: Most meat dishes but best with curries.

Try: Goblins Bitter from Draymans, Pretoria or

Birkenhead Pride Form Birkenhead, Standord