Best Bitter is one of the most recognizable styles in the British brewing repertoire: moderate in strength, rich in malt, and with balanced bitterness, it offers aromas of biscuit, honey, and light fruity notes. If you’re looking for a modern reference that pays tribute to this tradition, buy Canediguerra’s Best Bitter on Maltese.beer.
What is a Best Bitter?
Best Bitter is a British pale ale of medium body, usually between 3.6% and 4.8% ABV. It is characterized by:
- Malty profile (cereal, biscuit, honey)
- Light fruity nuances (peach, apple, plum depending on the yeast)
- Bitterness present but not overwhelming, often with earthy/woody notes from English hops
- Clean finish and drinkability that invites a second pint
Double Bitter: what it is and how it differs from Best Bitter?
The term "double bitter" (or "strong bitter") generally refers to a stronger and more intense version of the traditional bitter:
- Strength: the double/strong bitter has a higher ABV than the Best Bitter.
- Body and malt sweetness: often higher to balance the alcohol.
- Aroma and bitterness: the hop profile can be more pronounced or more resinous.
If you like the structure of the Best Bitter but want more intensity, the double/strong bitter is its natural evolution. An excellent example is Marble's Manchester Bitter:
English Pale Ale: basic recipe (for 20 L)
- Malts: 3–4 kg Pale Ale malt + 300–500 g Crystal/Crystal Light for color and sweetness
- Hops: East Kent Goldings or Fuggles (bitterness + aroma), total 20–30 g for moderate IBU
- Yeast: English ale strain (e.g., S-04 or English dry yeast)
- OG: 1.045–1.055, FG: 1.010–1.015
- Fermentation temperature: 18–20°C
Process: simple mash at 66°C for 60 minutes, 60-minute boil with hop additions for bitterness and aroma, controlled fermentation and conditioning in bottle or keg.
What is a Brown Ale?
Brown Ale is a British style darker than bitter/pale ale, with notes of caramel, hazelnut, toffee, and sometimes chocolate. Dark amber to brown color, malty and caramel flavors, low bitterness, often with an ABV between 3.2% and 5.5%.
Scotch Ale: main characteristics
Scotch Ale (or Wee Heavy) is a Scottish style known for its full body and rich malt sweetness: high original gravity and high ABV (6–10% or more), caramel and molasses profile, low hop emphasis, and a smooth finish.
Pale Ale: quick overview
The term "Pale Ale" refers to beers made with pale malts with more hop presence than sweeter ales. From traditional British pale ales to American versions with citrusy hops, the category is broad: colors from golden to copper, variable malt-hop balance, a great base for experimentation. Explore the selection on Maltese.beer →
Service and pairings for a Best Bitter
- Temperature: 10–12°C
- Glassware: pint or light tulip glass to capture the aromas
- Pairings: English pub food (fish & chips, pie, semi-aged cheeses), roasted meats, mushroom-based dishes
For the right glass, the EDIT Bodega Glasses 40cl are an excellent choice:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Best Bitter sweet or bitter?
It is balanced: the malt provides sweetness and body, while the English hops offer a present but moderate bitterness that maintains drinkability.
How do you distinguish a Best Bitter from an American Pale Ale?
British Best Bitters favor earthier/herbaceous hops and biscuity malts, while American Pale Ales show more resinous and citrusy hops (Citra, Cascade), with a livelier and more aromatic profile.
Can I drink a Best Bitter fresh or should it be aged?
The Best Bitter is meant to be enjoyed fresh to appreciate the fruity notes and malt fragrance; it is not a style for long aging.
Conclusion
If you love the British style, the Best Bitter is a perfect balance between malt and hops, drinkability and character. Buy the Best Bitter from Canediguerra on Maltese.beer and discover why this style continues to win over generations of enthusiasts. Shipping throughout Italy in 24-48h.
