Fuller's ESB

ESB (Extra Special Bitter) is a popular strong ale (5.9% ABV) 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.

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"- but Fuller's already had a "special" in the form of London Pride – so the brewery chose to add a pioneering third style: an extra special bitter, or "ESB".

Characteristics

ESB is a strong, full-bodied, mahogany-coloured ale known for its mellow bitterness and satisfying finish. 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]

Marketing

When it was launched in 1971, ESB was one of the strongest regularly brewed draught beers on the market at 5.5% ABV. In 2004, Fuller's attempted to shake off the beer's reputation as a very strong beer, rebranding from its old black and red livery to the current blue and gold.

References