Extra Special Bitter

The original session beer. Historically, this style originated around the start of the 20th century in England. This genre of ales is divided into substyles differentiated on alcoholic strength and hop bitterness: ordinary bitter; special/extra bitter and extra special bitter (ESB). ESB's are the stronger examples of this style. Most examples of this style will be copper in color with a mild caramel-malt aroma. Some examples will also have hop and fruit notes in the aroma. The flavor will typically be bitter with caramel, noticeable fruity esters and earthy or floral hops. A very drinkable ale.

	Beer | Location	Reviews	Score
	Orkney Red MacGregor United Kingdom	17	3.430
	Southern Tier Harvest Ale NY, United States	16	3.500
	Courage Directors Bitter United Kingdom	16	3.384
	Propeller Extra Special Bitter Canada	15	3.317
	Deschutes Bachelor ESB OR, United States	15	3.494
	Sweetwater ESB GA, United States	15	3.539
	Alaskan Brewing ESB AK, United States	14	3.612
	Young's St. Georges United Kingdom	14	3.464
	Goose Island Harvest Ale IL, United States	13	3.569
	Saranac ESB NY, United States	12	3.374
	Robinson's Trooper United Kingdom	11	3.157
	Charles Wells John Bull Finest Bitter Ale United Kingdom	11	3.264
	Crooked River Settlers Ale ESB OH, United States	11	3.643
	Breckenridge 471 Small Batch Extra ESB CO, United States	11	3.471
	Tallgrass Oasis KS, United States	11	3.350
	OHanlons Royal Oak (Pale Ale) United Kingdom	10	3.423
	Shepherd Neame 1698 Celebration Ale United Kingdom	10	3.354
	Laughing Dog Crotch Sniffing Bastard ID, United States	10	3.315
	Great Lakes Moondog Ale OH, United States	10	3.438
	SKA ESB Special Ale CO, United States	9	3.125