Ordinary Bitter – British Origin Ale Styles

Ordinary Bitter Style

  • Color: Gold to copper-colored
  • Clarity: Chill haze is allowable at cold temperatures
  • Perceived Malt Aroma & Flavor: Low to medium residual malt sweetness should be present
  • Perceived Hop Aroma & Flavor: Very low to medium-low
  • Perceived Bitterness: Medium
  • Fermentation Characteristics: 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.
  • Body: Low to medium
  • Additional notes: 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.

Ordinary Bitter Vital Statistics

  • Original Gravity (°Plato) 1.033-1.038 (8.3-9.5 °Plato)
  • Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (°Plato) 1.006-1.012 (1.5-3.1 °Plato)
  • Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 2.4%-3.3% (3.0%-4.2%)
  • Bitterness (IBU) 20-35
  • Color SRM (EBC) 5-12(10-24 EBC)

2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines used with permission of Brewers Association.

Credit: 2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines – Ale Styles – British Origin Ale Styles – Ordinary Bitter