This recipe has been designed to be consistent with the 2021 BJCP Style guide 11A - Ordinary Bitter.

The Bittering is a recipe created for The League of Brewers by Jamie McQuillan of Cell Division Brewery.

A pint of bitters falls into the family of British Pale ales, produced for serving on drought at cellar (real-ale) temperatures since the late 1800’s. Despite the name, there is nothing either ordinary or excessively bitter about an Ordinary Bitter. Whilst firmly bittered, they are well balanced with a satisfying level of malt sweetness along with a nice touch of biscuit. Moderate levels of fruity English ale derived esters are complemented by earthy floral notes from the classic English hop varieties.  Deep golden to light copper coloured, the Ordinary Bitter is a great low abv session beer that is satisfying to quietly sup on if having just one, or even better for having a few down at the local.

The Bittering is built upon a classic malt bill of Marris Otter pale ale, cushioned with a touch of medium and dark crystal malts. Bittered with Fuggles hops, followed by judicious later additions of earthy and floral and East Kent Goldin hops. British at it’s best when served at the lower levels of carbonation the Britts love (~1.5 vol). If you are able, serve it on handpull for a session with some mates. Cheers to some good yarns.

This recipe assumes correct mineral additions for pH calculations, which are not included in the kit. Please purchase these separately.

Our kits are fresh! We assemble the ingredients after you place your order. The grain bill will be milled, unless you tell us in your order comments that you prefer it not to be.

Links to recipe files

23L Kit

Links to BeerXML files (import into any brewing software i.e. Grainfather App, Beersmith or Brewfather)

23L Kit