Recipe Kit ESB English Extra Special Bitter

Smooth. Malty. Properly British.
This ESB is inspired by Fuller’s iconic Extra Special Bitter, a flagship of English brewing and one of the most beloved ales ever poured in a pub. Rich in flavour and effortlessly drinkable, this recipe delivers a beautifully balanced pint with depth, character, and tradition in every sip.

Brewed with a blend of Pale and Dark Crystal malts, and traditional Fuggles and Goldings hops, it pours a deep amber with notes of toffee, biscuit, and subtle spice. Fermented with Empire Ale yeast, it finishes clean, creamy, and satisfying — a beer that’s as enjoyable at home as it would be on cask in a London pub.

This is a real-deal English bitter — easy to brew, hard to beat, and a fan favourite for a reason.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Caramel and biscuit, floral hops.
Flavour: Rich malt backbone with layers of biscuit. Soft hop bitterness rounds it out.
Colour: Soft amber with reddish hues and a creamy off-white head.
Mouthfeel: Smooth, medium body with a mellow, lingering finish

Brewing Notes

Style: English Extra Special Bitter

Malts: Pale malt extract base with steeped Dark Crystal for depth and complexity.

Hops: UK Goldings & Fuggles – floral, earthy, and lightly spicy.

Yeast: Mangrove Jack’s M15 Empire Ale – classic English profile with balanced esters.

Fermentation Range: 18–23°C

Original Gravity: 1.044 – 1.046

Final Gravity: 1.010 – 1.012

ABV: 4.8 – 5.0%

IBUs: 25 (balanced, smooth bitterness)

Volume: 21L

Recipe Style: Malt Extract Kit with grain steep and full hop boil

FAQ's

What's the difference between a Bitter, and Extra Special Bitter?

These are all English ale styles on the same spectrum — Bitter is the lightest, Best Bitter sits in the middle, and Extra Special Bitter (ESB) is the full-flavoured, higher-ABV version. ESBs are known for their richer malt character, more complex hop profile, and greater depth overall. This kit delivers that full ESB experience.

What does this ESB taste like?

Rich caramel and biscuit malt is front and centre, with a gentle sweetness from the crystal grain. The UK Goldings and Fuggles hops add an earthy, floral bitterness that keeps it balanced. The finish is smooth, creamy, and lingers pleasantly — exactly what you want from an English bitter.

What makes the M15 Empire Ale yeast a good choice for this style?

Mangrove Jack's M15 is a classic English ale strain that produces balanced ester character — the fruity notes that are part of what makes English ales taste distinctly British. It ferments cleanly within the recommended temperature range and contributes to the creamy mouthfeel that defines the style.

How much beer does this kit make?

This kit produces 21 litres — around 28 × 750ml longnecks or 55 × 330ml stubbies. All ingredients are measured for that batch size, so you're set up from the start.

What equipment do I need?

You'll need a fermenter with an airlock, a large pot for boiling (this kit includes a hop boil), a thermometer, a long spoon, and bottles or a keg for packaging. Our starter kits include everything you need if you're just getting set up.

How long until it's ready to drink?

Expect roughly 3 to 4 weeks from brew day to a well-conditioned ESB. Fermentation typically takes 7 to 10 days, followed by a couple of weeks in the bottle to fully develop the flavour and carbonation. English ales often reward a little extra conditioning time, so as usual a little patience pays off here.