English Beers 101: Bitters, Milds, and English Pale Ales

English beers have a rich history and a wide variety of styles to explore. In this guide, we will delve into the world of English bitters, milds, and English pale ales, providing you with a comprehensive introduction to these iconic beer styles. Whether you are a beer enthusiast looking to expand your knowledge or a brewer interested in crafting traditional English beers, this article will serve as a valuable resource. Join us on this journey as we uncover the unique characteristics, flavors, and brewing techniques that make English beers so beloved.

Bitters

What are Bitters?

Bitters are a traditional style of beer that originated in England. They are known for their balanced flavor profile, showcasing a combination of malt sweetness and hop bitterness. Bitters are typically amber to copper in color and have a moderate alcohol content, ranging from 3% to 5%.

Characteristics of Bitters

Bitters have distinct characteristics that set them apart from other beer styles. Here are some key features of bitters:

Maltiness: Bitters exhibit a prominent malt presence, offering a toasty or biscuity flavor. This maltiness provides a solid foundation for the beer’s overall taste.
Hop Bitterness: Bitters are moderately hopped, providing a noticeable but not overpowering bitterness. The hop bitterness helps balance out the sweetness from the malt, resulting in a well-rounded and refreshing beer.
Floral and Earthy Aromas: Bitters often have a delicate floral or earthy aroma, derived from the hops used during brewing. These aromas add complexity and depth to the beer’s overall sensory experience.
Medium Body: Bitters usually have a medium body, offering a smooth and satisfying mouthfeel. This characteristic makes them highly drinkable and enjoyable.

Popular Bitters Brands

When it comes to bitters, there are several renowned brands that craft exceptional examples of this traditional English beer style. Some of the popular bitters brands include:

Fuller’s London Pride: Fuller’s London Pride is a well-known British brewery famous for their classic English bitters. Their London Pride bitter is a flavorful and balanced beer with a rich malt character and a hoppy finish.
Adnams Southwold Bitter: Adnams Brewery, based in Southwold, Suffolk, produces the Adnams Southwold Bitter. This beer is a classic example of an English bitter, featuring a blend of malt sweetness, hop bitterness, and a hint of fruitiness.
Timothy Taylor’s Landlord: Timothy Taylor’s Landlord is a highly regarded bitter brewed by Timothy Taylor’s Brewery in West Yorkshire, England. It is known for its complex flavors, including notes of caramel, citrus, and a well-defined hop character.
Theakston Old Peculier: Theakston Old Peculier is a unique and iconic beer that falls into the category of strong bitters. This dark, full-bodied beer offers a rich maltiness, balanced by a subtle bitterness and hints of dark fruit and toffee.

These brands represent just a few examples of the many exceptional bitters available in the market. Exploring different brands can provide a delightful journey into the world of English bitters, allowing you to discover your personal favorites.

Milds

What are Milds?

Milds are a traditional style of English beer that originated in the 17th century. They are known for their low alcohol content and rich malty flavors. Milds were once a popular choice among the working class in the industrial regions of England.

Characteristics of Milds

Milds are typically dark in color, ranging from amber to dark brown. They have a smooth and creamy texture with a medium body. The flavors of milds are dominated by maltiness, offering notes of caramel, toffee, and biscuits. Hops are used sparingly in milds, resulting in a low bitterness and a focus on the malt profile. Milds usually have a low alcohol content, typically ranging from 3% to 4.5% ABV (alcohol by volume).

Traditional Milds vs. Modern Milds

Traditional milds were brewed using top-fermenting yeast strains, which imparted a fruity ester profile to the beer. These yeast strains were commonly found in the Midlands and the North of England. Modern milds, on the other hand, often utilize bottom-fermenting yeast strains, similar to those used in lagers. This results in a cleaner and crisper flavor profile compared to the fruity character of traditional milds.

In terms of popularity, traditional milds have seen a decline in recent years, with many breweries discontinuing their production. However, there has been a resurgence of interest in craft brewing, leading to the creation of modern interpretations of milds. Craft brewers are experimenting with different hop varieties and adding a contemporary twist to the classic mild style, attracting a new generation of beer enthusiasts.

Overall, milds are a unique and flavorful style of English beer that offers a taste of history. Whether you prefer the traditional or modern interpretation, milds are a must-try for any beer connoisseur looking to explore the rich brewing heritage of England.

English Pale Ales

What are English Pale Ales?

English Pale Ales are a popular beer style originating from England. They are known for their distinct hop character, balance, and drinkability. These beers are typically brewed with English ale yeast and feature a moderate to high hop bitterness, which contributes to their refreshing and crisp taste.

Characteristics of English Pale Ales

Color: English Pale Ales have a range of colors, from golden amber to copper. The use of English malts gives these beers a beautiful deep hue that is visually appealing.
Maltiness: English Pale Ales exhibit a moderate to strong malty backbone. The malt flavors can range from biscuity and toasted to caramel and toffee-like, adding complexity to the beer’s overall taste.
Hop Profile: Although English Pale Ales have a hop-forward character, they differ from their American counterparts in terms of hop flavor and aroma. English hops tend to impart earthy, floral, and herbal notes, creating a more subtle and restrained hop profile.
Bitterness: English Pale Ales strike a balance between maltiness and hop bitterness. While they do have a notable hop bitterness, it is usually less intense compared to American Pale Ales. The bitterness level can vary, but it is generally moderate to moderately high.
ABV Range: The alcohol content of English Pale Ales typically falls within the range of 4% to 7% ABV (alcohol by volume), making them sessionable and suitable for extended enjoyment.

Variations of English Pale Ales

Ordinary Bitter: This substyle of English Pale Ale is known for its low alcohol content (around 3% to 4% ABV) and mild hop bitterness. Ordinary Bitters are characterized by their drinkability, with a balanced malt and hop profile.
Best Bitter: Best Bitters are slightly stronger than Ordinary Bitters, ranging from 4% to 5% ABV. They offer a more pronounced hop bitterness and maltiness, creating a well-rounded and flavorful beer.
Strong Bitter/Extra Special Bitter (ESB): ESBs are the stronger and more robust version of English Pale Ales, with an alcohol content ranging from 5% to 7% ABV. They exhibit a rich malt character, a higher hop bitterness, and a fuller body, resulting in a more complex and assertive beer.

English Pale Ales offer a diverse range of flavors and styles within the broader category. Whether you prefer a lighter session beer or a stronger and more flavorful brew, there is an English Pale Ale to suit every taste.

In conclusion, English beers offer a diverse range of flavors and styles, from the hop-forward Bitters to the smooth and malty Milds, and the balanced English Pale Ales. Each beer has its own unique characteristics and brewing traditions, making them a delightful choice for beer enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a crisp and bitter taste or a more subtle and balanced profile, there is an English beer for everyone to enjoy. So, raise a glass and delve into the world of English beers to experience the rich history and exquisite flavors that this traditional brewing culture has to offer. Cheers!