Extra Special Bitter, or ESB, is a beloved style of beer that has captivated enthusiasts with its perfect balance of malt sweetness and hop bitterness. Whether you’re new to the style or an experienced taster, exploring the variety of Extra Special Bitter brands can open up a fascinating world of flavor nuances. From long-established traditional breweries to innovative craft producers, there’s an ESB for every palate. Let’s journey through some of the most notable brands that have helped define and evolve this classic British beer style.
Notable ESB Producers: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
Extra Special Bitter is a style rooted in British brewing heritage but has found passionate advocates across the globe. The best ESBs highlight the intersection of malt complexity and hop character, providing a medium-bodied beer with a rich amber hue. Renowned producers often blend long-standing techniques with modern brewing advancements to craft beers that respect tradition while embracing contemporary tastes.
Many breweries producing ESBs pride themselves on maintaining the authenticity of the style, ensuring that the characteristic caramel and biscuity malt backbone shines through, complemented by floral, earthy, or citrusy hops depending on their house style. Whether it’s a big-name classic or an emerging craft brewery pushing boundaries, these producers are committed to quality and flavor.
Widely Recognized Traditional Brands
Some of the most celebrated ESB brands come from centuries-old British breweries that continue to define the style by staying true to their roots. Here are a few iconic traditional ESBs you should know:
- Fuller’s ESB – Possibly the quintessential ESB, Fuller’s ESB from London is renowned worldwide for its balance and richness. It pours a deep amber and offers malty sweetness intertwined with a firm hop bitterness, featuring notes of toffee, caramel, and orange peel.
- Greene King IPA – While labeled as an IPA, Greene King’s IPA is often classified as an ESB by aficionados due to its malt-forward character and moderate bitterness. It’s a staple in British pubs with a slightly lighter body and gentle hop aroma.
- Adnams Broadside – Hailing from Suffolk, England, Broadside is robust and full-flavored with pronounced malty notes of roast and caramel, balanced by earthy hops. It’s a strong contender for those who enjoy a richer take on ESB.
- Timothy Taylor’s Landlord – Known for its distinctive golden hue and sparkling clarity, this ESB offers a floral hop aroma and a delicate malt profile, making it an enduring favorite among British bitters.
Emerging Craft Breweries Specializing in ESB
The craft beer revolution has inspired numerous breweries around the world to delve into classic styles like ESB, infusing them with fresh perspectives and local ingredients. Here are some notable craft breweries producing exceptional ESBs:
- Boston Beer Company – Samuel Adams East Side Lager (ESB Style) – Although better known for their wider portfolio, Samuel Adams periodically showcases limited-run ESBs emphasizing East Coast hop varieties and rich malt complexity.
- Redchurch Brewery (London, UK) – Redchurch brews a modern interpretation of ESB that merges traditional flavors with experimental hop strains, adding nuanced citrus and pine notes unmatched by some traditional brewers.
- Fullsteam Brewery (North Carolina, USA) – Fullsteam’s take on ESB incorporates Southern craft sensibilities, providing a balanced and juicy brew with a slightly more pronounced hop character, appealing to American craft beer lovers.
- Black Flag Brewing Co. (Colorado, USA) – Innovating with dry-hopping techniques in their ESB, Black Flag crafts a bold and aromatic beer that honors ESB’s malt foundation but offers a contemporary hop-forward twist.
Attributes and Flavor Notes of Top ESB Brands
Understanding the typical flavor profile of ESB can help you appreciate the subtle differences between brands and styles. Most ESBs share some common sensory attributes:
- Appearance: Usually a clear amber to deep copper color with a tight, creamy white head.
- Aroma: Balanced malt sweetness with hints of caramel, toffee, and sometimes biscuit, paired with subtle floral, earthy, or citrus hop notes.
- Flavor: The hallmark of ESB is a medium-bodied malt profile featuring caramel and biscuit flavors supported by moderate hop bitterness—often earthy or floral—but never overpowering. Some versions may have light fruitiness.
- Mouthfeel: Smooth and medium-bodied, with a slight carbonation that enhances drinkability while holding the beer’s fullness.
The best ESBs achieve a harmonious balance where malt and hops complement each other rather than one dominating. Traditional brands tend to emphasize malt richness, while many craft producers experiment with hoppier profiles or additional complexity.
Where to Find or Order These ESBs
Acquiring your favorite ESBs—whether traditional or craft—can be an enjoyable part of the experience. Here’s how to seek them out:
- Local Pubs and Taprooms: British-style pubs often stock classic ESBs like Fuller’s ESB or Timothy Taylor’s. If you have access to a specialty beer pub or taproom, they might carry a rotating selection of craft ESBs.
- Craft Beer Retailers: Specialty bottle shops and beer stores typically offer a curated selection of British bitters and international craft ESBs. Staff recommendations can be invaluable for new discoveries.
- Online Retailers: Many online beer merchants ship ESBs nationally and internationally, providing access to limited releases and smaller craft batches. Platforms like Beer Hawk, CraftShack, or Total Wine & More often stock multiple ESB options.
- Breweries’ Direct Sales: Some craft breweries offer direct online sales or local delivery, which can be a great way to get exclusives or freshly bottled ESB beers.
Tips on Serving and Tasting Extra Special Bitter
To fully appreciate the complexity of an ESB, proper serving and mindful tasting are essential. Here are some tips to enhance your experience:
- Glassware: Serve ESB in a tulip pint glass or a traditional english pint glass to concentrate aromas and showcase the beer’s color.
- Serving Temperature: ESBs are best served slightly cooler than room temperature, ideally around 50-55°F (10-13°C). This temperature range allows the malt sweetness and hop bitterness to shine without muting flavors.
- Pouring: Pour gently at an angle to preserve the creamy head, which releases the aromatic compounds.
- Tasting: Start by observing the aroma, noting malt and hop scents. Take a small sip to assess mouthfeel and flavor layers, then try a moderate sip for the full balance of malt and hops. Consider pairing with classic British dishes such as pork pies, cheddar cheese, or hearty stews to complement the beer’s profile.
Experimenting with different ESB brands side by side can help you recognize subtle differences in hop varietals, malt choices, and brewing techniques, enhancing your palate and appreciation for this versatile beer style.
Expanding Your ESB Horizons
Exploring Extra Special Bitter brands is an adventure for both newcomers and seasoned beer lovers. Whether you begin with the classic Fuller’s ESB or seek out innovative craft brews, there’s a rewarding diversity within the style to discover. As breweries experiment with new hop varieties and brewing methods, the ESB continues to evolve, offering fresh flavor experiences while honoring its British bitter roots.
Next time you’re browsing your local bottle shop or visiting a pub, consider trying a new ESB alongside your tried-and-true favorites. By expanding your horizons within this dynamic style, you deepen your connection to beer culture and immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant future of Extra Special Bitters.
