hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Backstamp

Tap to rate

Copper and amber in colour, Backstamp has a fruity, malty nose and a bittersweet, fruity, nutty taste. Arkell's brewed this 4% best bitter for the 15th anniversary of Best of British Beer, which sells it in bottles. The name borrows the backstamp that identifies the maker on pottery, a nod to Best of British Beer's base near Stoke on Trent.

ABV
4%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Malt-forward 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
fruitynuttymalty
fruity
nutty
malty
caramel
Aroma
The nose opens with pronounced fruity esters, layered with a warm, biscuity Malz character that anchors the profile.
not found:hoppy,roasted,clean,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Backstamp

◎ Appearance

Backstamp presents a clear copper to amber hue, bright and well-defined in the glass. The head forms with moderate density and shows solid retention, building a fine collar of foam that clings persistently to the rim. Carbonation is steady and visible, lending an inviting liveliness to the presentation.

copper to amberbright and clearpersistent head

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with pronounced fruity esters, layered with a warm, biscuity Malz character that anchors the profile. Subtle nutty undertones emerge beneath, complemented by gentle hedgerow fruit notes. Hop presence is restrained, allowing the malt and ester complexity to dominate without sharpness.

fruity estersbiscuity maltnutty undertone

◐ Taste

Entry is soft and approachable, with a bittersweet balance that unfolds across the palate. Mid-palate develops nutty and toasted grain depth, while subtle caramel sweetness and stone fruit character provide roundness. Bitterness builds gently and lingers without harshness, finishing with a dry, lingering edge that feels well-integrated rather than abrupt.

bittersweet balancetoasted grainlingering dry finish

◑ Finish

The finish holds moderate length, with drying bitterness and a faint nutty residue that persists pleasantly on the palate. Aftertaste leans toward the dry, malty side without any astringency or heaviness.

moderate lengthdry malt
76
hopIQ score
Aroma
78
Taste
77
Appearance
76
Finish
74
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 Backstamp

More from Arkell's Brewery

3B
3B
Best Bitter
4%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Bee's Honey Pale Ale
Bee's Honey Pale Ale
Pale Ale
4.5%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Belt Driver
Belt Driver
IPA
4.2%·Strongly bitter
Find matches →
Big Hit
Big Hit
IPA
4.2%·Strongly bitter
Find matches →
Coronation Ale
Coronation Ale
Brown Ale
4.5%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
Desi Biyar
Desi Biyar
Lager
4.2%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
Haze
Haze
Pale Ale
4%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Honest John
Honest John
Best Bitter
4%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →

About Best Bitter

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Best Bitter?

Best 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 Best Bitter

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

Compare with another beer →