English Bitter Information
Ordinary Bitter = O.G 1.035 - 1.040
Best or Special = O.G 1.041 - 1.048
Extra Special = O.G 1.048 - 1.060
In the Pale Ale Family
IBU's = 20-40
F.G = 1.008 - 1.013
SRM = 6-14
Single Infusion Mash
Mashed between 150 - 153 Degrees Farhenheit
English Bitter is a very British style of Ale.
It's often thought to be older than it actually is. Theres notable
diffrences between Northern English Bitter and that of Southern regions.
Southern regions tend to be flat in comparison with the Northern version of
this tasty brew.
There are very few examples of this style in the US. Usually if found,
It will be in a brewpub. My first tasting of this was at a brew pub in
Akron,Ohio. (Liberty Brewing Company, No longer in buisness) It was
actually my 21st birthday. What a treat it was. I was not so lucky to get
another pint, As they had pulled me the very last one. That's when I knew I
had to Homebrew my own. I strived for years to get to where I am now with
brewing this style. Once learned it is a very smooth satisfiying beer. This
is a good beginner beer for the first time All Grain brewer. It's simple
and gives good results almost everytime. It should have a nice foam head,
Have the aroma of East Kent Goldings hops. It should also lace to the
side's of the glass. It should only be served in a British Goverment
stamped Pint. This is my absolute favorite style. I think if tried it would
be everyone's style. Also I've had excellent examples of this style. I've
had bad examples of this style. Speaking commercial Tettley's is a bad
example. Boddington's used to be an excellent example.
Since they closed the Strangeway's Brewery it taste's like crape.
Boddington's is still note worthy to try the style though. But in the world
of Bitter theres alot to explore. One way to really enjoy this style is by
a trip to England. Which I have. Theres so many diffrent one's in England.
Each town has it's own Bitter of choice. It is more of a regional style,
Meaning there all diffrent in each place that you try them. If you can try
them all. Take notes and come home and brew!!! :)
English Bitter should only be made with British 2-Row. You should never
attempt to make this style with American or any other 2-Row for that
matter.My recommendation for grain is Thomas Fawcett Halcyon or Marris
Otter. Or some of both. A good helping of English Crystal malt. Usually
between 5-10%. Sometimes more. You also want to use a good quality English
ale yeast. I've had good results from all diffrent strains. My favorote
strain that I keep propogated for this beer is Wyeast 1469 West
Yorkshire.
You may have trouble getting your hands on that strain. It was a special
strain. But as long as it's English you should be alright. You also don't
want to fruity of a strain. It should have a bittersweet taste into the
bitterness.
This is the beer I always keep at least 5 gallons on tap in my brewery.
I always brew this in 10 gallon batch's. It taste so good and goes so
fast..:)
