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Ploughman

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Ploughman is an ordinary bitter in the British tradition, brewed with English malts including Maris Otter and crystal, fermented with a British yeast strain and hopped with Styrian Golding and a small addition of Willamette. It is copper-coloured. The yeast contributes its classic esters, the bitterness is gentle, and the flavour runs to earthy and floral notes and black tea.

ABV
3.6%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter30 IBU
Herbal, floral 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
earthyfloralyeasty
earthy
floral
yeasty
malty
herbal
caramel
Aroma
The nose opens with gentle floral and earthy notes from Styrian Golding, underpinned by a subtle herbal whisper from Willamette.
not found:hoppy,roasted,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Ploughman

◎ Appearance

Ploughman presents a clear copper hue with good brilliance, reflecting the careful balance of Maris Otter and crystal malts. A modest head forms initially and clings to the glass with light, delicate lacing. Carbonation is moderate and well-integrated, lending a soft visual presence without agitation.

copper, cleardelicate head retentionmoderate carbonation

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with gentle floral and earthy notes from Styrian Golding, underpinned by a subtle herbal whisper from Willamette. British yeast adds soft ester character—faintly fruity without dominating—while the Maris Otter and crystal malts contribute a light, biscuity warmth beneath. The overall impression is restrained and balanced.

floral, earthysoft estersbiscuit undertone

◐ Taste

Entry is clean and accessible, with the malt foundation offering a gentle sweetness that quickly transitions to a nuanced mid-palate. Black tea tannins emerge alongside earthy mineral notes, while the bitterness (30 IBU) remains rounded and supportive rather than assertive. The character sits comfortably between malt and hop, neither overshadowing the other.

black tea tanninsgentle bitternessbalanced malt-hop

◑ Finish

The finish is dry and lingering, with earthy and floral notes persisting on the palate. A light astringency frames the aftertaste without harshness, inviting another sip.

dry, earthymedium length
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
77
Taste
79
Appearance
78
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.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Ploughman

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About Ordinary Bitter

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Ordinary Bitter?

Ordinary 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 Ordinary Bitter

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same earthy, floral, yeasty character as Ploughman will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

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