Extra Special / Strong Bitter (ESB)
Extra Special/Strong Bitter (ESB) is a classic British ale that represents the strongest version of English Pale Ales, featuring a pronounced malt character balanced by assertive English hop varieties. With its rich copper to amber color, ESB offers a harmonious blend of biscuit and caramel malt flavors with earthy, floral, and sometimes fruity hop notes, moderate to medium-high bitterness, and a dry to medium-sweet finish. First popularized by Fuller's Brewery in London with their iconic Fuller's ESB, the style epitomizes the tradition of balanced British ales, typically featuring English pale ale malt, crystal malts, and classic English hop varieties like Fuggles and East Kent Goldings.