Fuller's ESB
ESB (Extra Special Bitter) is a popular strong ale (ABV 5.9% bottle, 5.5% cask) produced by Fuller's at the Griffin Brewery in Chiswick, London. It has twice been named World Champion Beer, and has won CAMRA's Champion Beer of Britain Award on three occasions.
![]() The Champion Ale | |
Type | Beer |
---|---|
Manufacturer | Fuller's Brewery |
Country of origin | England |
Introduced | 1971 |
Alcohol by volume | 5.5% cask, 5.9% bottle[1] |
Colour | Mahogany, horse chestnut appearance |
Flavour | grassy, peppery notes with intense citrus fruit characters |
Related products | London Pride, Chiswick Bitter, Honey Dew |
Website | Official website |
History
Fuller's ESB was first brewed in 1971 as a replacement for a beer called Old Burton Extra. At this time, breweries commonly produced both an "ordinary" bitter and a "special". Fuller's already had a "special", London Pride, and chose to add a third, extra special bitter, ESB.
Characteristics
ESB is a strong, full-bodied, mahogany-coloured ale. It is brewed with Pale Ale and Crystal malts, bringing both biscuit flavours and soft malt toffee notes to the fore. It is sold in both 5.5% cask conditioned form as well as pasteurised at 5.9% in bottles and kegs.[1]
Awards
Fuller's ESB was named CAMRA's Champion Beer of Britain in 1978, 1981 and 1985. It has also been named CAMRA’s Strong Ale of the Year seven times – more than any other beer. ESB has also won the World Champion Beer award on two occasions, giving the brew the nickname "The Champion Ale".[2]
At the World Beer Awards 2011, ESB was awarded "Europe's Best Pale Ale - Strong".[3]
References
- "Fuller's ESB (Bottle/Keg)". RateBeer. Retrieved 28 May 2016.
- "Champion Beer of Britain Awards". Retrieved 22 January 2015.
- "World Beer Awards All Results 2011". www.worldbeerawards.com. Archived from the original on 3 April 2016. Retrieved 17 April 2016.