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
	SKA ESB Special Ale CO, United States	9	3.125
	Charlevoix Vache Folle ESB Canada	9	3.550
	Shepherd Neame Goldings United Kingdom	9	3.167
	Hook Norton Old Hooky United Kingdom	8	3.319
	George Gale HSB United Kingdom	8	3.309
	Charles Wells Sticky Toffee Pudding Ale United Kingdom	8	3.473
	Middle Ages Beast Bitter NY, United States	8	3.218
	Bath Gem United Kingdom	8	3.109
	Brakspear Live Organic United Kingdom	8	3.527
	Ringwood Fortyniner United Kingdom	8	3.218
	Atlantic SOB Special Old Bitter Ale ME, United States	8	3.127
	Boulder The GABF 25th Year Beer CO, United States	7	3.390
	Cotleigh Barn Owl United Kingdom	7	3.080
	Batemans Rosey Nosey United Kingdom	7	3.190
	French Broad 13 Rebels ESB NC, United States	7	3.190
	The Governator Ale OR, United States	7	3.150
	Full Sail Extra Special Barney OR, United States	7	3.440
	McNeills Extra Special Bitter Ale VT, United States	7	3.220
	Weyerbacher ESB Ale PA, United States	7	3.010
	Goose Island 25th Anniversary Ale IL, United States	7	3.290