What is Bitter?

The backbone of British pub culture, misunderstood by name alone.

What is bitter? For many people, the name puts them off before they’ve even tried it. They expect something harsh or aggressive, when in reality, bitter is one of the most balanced and versatile beer styles around.

Bitter isn’t about bitterness for its own sake. It’s about balance.

 

So, what is bitter exactly?

Bitter is a traditional British ale, typically cask-conditioned, that balances malt sweetness with hop bitterness. It emerged as a popular style in the nineteenth century and became a staple of pubs across the UK.

Despite the name, bitterness is just one part of the picture. Malt, yeast, and balance matter just as much.

 

Different strengths of bitter

Bitter comes in several strengths, each with its own character. Ordinary bitter is low in alcohol and very drinkable, while best bitter adds a little more body and flavour.

Extra Special Bitter, often shortened to ESB, pushes things further with richer malt character and a firmer hop presence, without losing balance.

 

What does bitter taste like?

A good bitter offers a blend of biscuit-like malt, gentle caramel sweetness, and a clean, herbal hop finish. The bitterness should be refreshing rather than punishing.

Served on cask, it’s soft, smooth, and designed for drinking by the pint.

 

Why bitter still matters

In a world of extremes, bitter remains resolutely sensible. It’s about flavour without excess, tradition without stagnation.

Many modern brewers are quietly rediscovering what bitter does best, often with excellent results.

 

Related beer styles worth exploring

If bitter appeals to you, there are several neighbouring styles that build on similar ideas.

Mild offers a softer, malt-forward alternative with less hop bitterness.

Golden ale keeps the bitterness but lightens the malt, creating a fresher profile.

Amber ale sits somewhere in between, blending caramel malt with moderate hop character.