hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Adnams Extra Special Bitter

Tap to rate

A copper-coloured bitter revived from the brewery's historic brewing books and released as the autumn seasonal. It is hopped heavily and exclusively with Fuggle, which gives a floral, herbal and resinous aroma that carries through to the palate. Pale ale and crystal malt answer with a biscuity fullness, and the finish is dry, with a tart bitterness. The original, known simply as Extra, was a draught-only beer; the recipe was rebuilt from the records and from talks with former brewers.

ABV
4.3%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Resinous hop bitterness
SRM
amber12
PaceSession
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
resinousfloralherbal
resinous
floral
herbal
hoppy
tart
malty
Aroma
The nose leads with the distinctive character of Fuggle hops: floral and herbal notes mingle with a subtle resinous undertone.
also:bready,caramel
not found:juicy,roasted,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Adnams Extra Special Bitter

◎ Appearance

A bright copper hue, clear and well-defined, with a moderate head that settles into a thin, persistent collar. The carbonation is lively but restrained, appropriate to the ale's gravity. Lacing clings to the glass in delicate bands.

copper, clearpersistent headfine carbonation

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with the distinctive character of Fuggle hops: floral and herbal notes mingle with a subtle resinous undertone. Beneath the hop profile lies the biscuity sweetness of pale ale and crystal malts, suggesting warmth and grain without heaviness.

floral, herbalresinous hop characterbiscuit, sweet malt

◐ Taste

Entry is clean and full-bodied, with the biscuity malt foundation providing early sweetness and depth. The mid-palate carries the Fuggle's herbal and floral notes into the mouth, building structure. Bitterness arrives with tart definition in the tail, balanced rather than aggressive, creating a dry and lingering aftertaste.

biscuity maltherbal and floraltart bitternessdry finish

◑ Finish

The finish is notably dry, with the tartness of the hops persisting cleanly on the palate. A subtle resinous quality extends the aftertaste without clinging or becoming astringent.

dry, tartlingering herbal note
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
80
Taste
78
Appearance
76
Finish
76
Serve at 8–11°C

Serve at 8–11°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Pint glass

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

+ Sign in to add your tasting note

Food Pairing

What to eat with Adnams Extra Special Bitter

More from Adnams

Adnams Dry Hopped Lager
Adnams Dry Hopped Lager
Dry-Hopped Lager
4.2% · 22 IBU
Find matches →
Adnams English Lager
Adnams English Lager
Pale Lager
3.4% · 22 IBU
Find matches →
Adnams Old Ale
Adnams Old Ale
Dark Mild
4.1% · 24 IBU
Find matches →
Big Skies
Big Skies
West Coast IPA
6.7% · 60 IBU
Find matches →
Blackshore
Blackshore
Stout
4.2% · 35 IBU
Find matches →
Blanche Witbier
Both Barrels
Both Barrels
Strong Ale
9% · 35 IBU
Find matches →
Broadside
Broadside
Strong Bitter
4.7% · 35 IBU
Find matches →

About Strong Bitter

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Strong Bitter?

Strong Bitter is a distinctive beer style with its own characteristic flavour, aroma and colour. Discover what makes it unique and find similar beers on hopIQ.

Finding a similar Strong Bitter

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same resinous, dry, floral character as Adnams Extra Special Bitter will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →