Two pints of English bitter ale

Bitter is an English style of pale ale that varies in colour from gold to dark amber or brown, and in strength typically from 3% to 5.5% alcohol by volume. The beer style is known for its caramel, toffee, malty, and nutty flavours and is considered one of England's national drinks.

History

The term bitter has been used in England to describe pale ale since the early 19th century. Although brewers used the term pale ale, customers in pubs before the introduction of pump clips would ask for bitter to differentiate it from mild ale; by the end of the 19th century, brewers had begun to use the term as well.

During the 20th century, bitter became the most popular type of draught beer sold in British pubs and has been described as "the national drink of England". Bitter is traditionally cask conditioned and either dispensed by gravity through a tap in the cask or by a beer engine at "cellar temperature" of 11°C-14°C (50°F-55°F). The popularity of craft brewing in North America has led to British-style bitter being brewed there since the 1980s.

Style

Bitter belongs to the pale ale beer style and can have a great variety of strength, flavour and appearance, from dark amber to a golden summer ale. It can be under 3% abv and as high as 7% with premium or strong bitters. The colour may be controlled by the addition of caramel colouring.

The style is widely celebrated for its flavours, prominently featuring notes of caramel, toffee, malt, and hints of nuttiness.

Pints of bitter

Sub-types of bitter

Light ale

In England the bottled counterpart of basic bitter; in Scotland, "Light" is the lowest gravity draught beer (normally dark in colour).

Session or ordinary bitter

Strength up to 4.1% abv. This is the most common strength of bitter sold in British pubs. It accounted for 16.9% of pub sales in 2003.

Best or special bitter

Strength between 4.2% and 4.7% abv.

Premium or strong bitter

Strength of 4.8% abv and over.

Golden or summer

Golden or summer ale has an appearance and profile similar to that of a pale lager. Golden ale is typically brewed without the use of crystal malts, or at least in far lower quantity to a traditional bitter. In 2020, 83.5% of SIBA member breweries were producing 'pale golden bitter'.

See also

External links

  • Media related to Bitter (beer) at Wikimedia Commons