Extra Special Bitter Style
- Color: Amber to deep copper
- Clarity: Chill haze is acceptable at low temperatures
- Perceived Malt Aroma & Flavor: Medium to medium-high
- Perceived Hop Aroma & Flavor: Medium to medium-high
- Perceived Bitterness: Medium to medium-high
- Fermentation Characteristics: 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
- Additional 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.
Extra Special Bitter Vital Statistics
- Original Gravity (°Plato) 1.046-1.060 (11.4-14.7 °Plato)
- Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (°Plato) 1.010-1.016 (2.6-4.1 °Plato)
- Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 3.8%-4.6% (4.8%-5.8%)
- Bitterness (IBU) 30-45
- Color SRM (EBC) 8-17(16-34 EBC)
2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines used with permission of Brewers Association.