Hop Horizons

bitter

There are 1788 different bitter listed on Hop Horizons, with a weighted average score of 34.1%.

What is Bitter?

Bitter is the no-nonsense backbone of the British pub. It’s amber, it’s earthy, and it’s been the go-to pint for generations. Don’t let the name fool you—it’s not that bitter. Compared to the hop bombs of modern IPAs, Bitter is more about balance: gentle malt sweetness, a dry finish, and a subtle floral or herbal nudge from traditional English hops.

Usually served with low carbonation and at cellar temperature (i.e. not ice cold), it’s meant to be enjoyed slowly and socially, preferably with some good chat.

How It’s Brewed

Bitter is brewed with English base malts—think Maris Otter—and traditional hop varieties like Fuggles, East Kent Goldings, or Challenger. Ale yeasts do the work at warmer fermentation temps, giving a soft, fruity backdrop.

Strength-wise, most Bitters come in around 3.5%–4.5% ABV, which makes them brilliantly sessionable. Cask-conditioned versions are the classic, but bottled and kegged ones exist too.

Famous Examples

Some of the best-known Bitters include:

• Timothy Taylor’s Landlord – A legendary Yorkshire bitter with a crisp finish.
• Fuller’s London Pride – Smooth, balanced, and iconic.
• Harvey’s Sussex Best – A complex, slightly fruity bitter from the south.
• Adnams Southwold Bitter – Traditional, gently hoppy, and very drinkable.

How Bitter Differs from Similar Styles

Bitter often gets confused with Pale Ale, and to be fair, they are cousins. The key difference lies in bitterness and strength: traditional Pale Ales (especially in the UK) are slightly stronger and sometimes brewed for export. Bitters are brewed for drinkability and pub life—lower ABV, softer edges, more rounded.

Also, compared to New World Pale Ales or IPAs, Bitter is gentler, more toasty, and relies on earthy, spicy hop notes rather than tropical fruit or citrus.

Food Pairings

Bitter is your friend at the table. It pairs beautifully with sharp cheddar, savoury pies, salted crisps, pickled onions, or a hearty plate of chips. Think comfort food—but all veggie-friendly.

Style Stats (Typical Ranges)

• ABV: 3.4% – 4.5%
• IBU (Bitterness): 20 – 40
• Colour (SRM): 8 – 14 (light amber to copper)
• Carbonation: Low to moderate

FAQs About Bitter

Is Bitter really that bitter?
Not at all by modern standards. It has a mild to moderate bitterness, balanced by biscuity malts and fruity yeast notes.

What’s the difference between Bitter and Pale Ale?
Pale Ale tends to be slightly stronger and was often brewed for export. Bitter is more sessionable, maltier, and lower in alcohol.

Is Bitter the same as ESB?
Not quite. ESB (Extra Special Bitter) is a stronger sub-style, usually 5%–6%, with a richer malt backbone. Think of it as Bitter’s bolder big sibling.

Beers of This Style

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