hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Bishops Finger

Tap to rate

World's Best Bitter 2024 (World Beer Awards). First brewed in 1958, named after ancient Kentish pilgrim signposts. Rich ruby with prunes, dried apricot and a soft bitter blood-orange finish. PGI protected.

ABV
5.2%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
amber13
PaceA Few

AWARDS

World's Best · 2024
World Beer Awards 2024
Bitter
★World's Best — World Beer Awards 2024 (Bitter)
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
maltydark fruittart
malty
dark fruit
tart
orange
hoppy
caramel
Aroma
The nose is dominated by classic English malt with prominent notes of caramel and dark fruit—particularly prunes and dried apricot.
not found:juicy,roasted,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Bishops Finger

◎ Appearance

Bishops Finger displays an attractive rich ruby hue with excellent clarity and a sturdy, persistent head. The deep amber-tinged color reflects its heritage as a traditionally-brewed ESB with substantial malt character. Carbonation is well-balanced, supporting a visually appealing presentation.

rubydeep amberpersistent headbrilliant clarity

◌ Aroma

The nose is dominated by classic English malt with prominent notes of caramel and dark fruit—particularly prunes and dried apricot. Subtle floral hop character emerges beneath, complemented by warm bread-like grain notes that suggest proper kettle work and noble hop usage.

carameldried stone fruitfloral hopswarm grain

◐ Taste

Entry is full-bodied and malty with immediate caramel sweetness balanced by restrained hop bitterness. The mid-palate showcases complex layers of bread, nutty undertones, and dark fruit complexity, while the bitterness gradually builds with a distinctive blood-orange citrus character that provides welcome refreshment.

malty sweetnessblood-orangefull-bodiednutty undertones

◑ Finish

A soft, clean finish with lingering bitter notes that fade gracefully without harshness. The aftertaste maintains the blood-orange character with a subtle drying effect that encourages the next sip.

clean finishsoft bitterlingering citrus
88
hopIQ score
Aroma
85
Taste
89
Appearance
86
Finish
87
Serve at 7–10°C

Serve at 7–10°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 Bishops Finger

More from Shepherd Neame

1698 Bottle Conditioned Ale
1698 Bottle Conditioned Ale
English Strong Ale
6.5% · 32 IBU
Find matches →
Double Stout
Double Stout
Dry Stout
5.2% · 49 IBU
Find matches →
First Drop Session IPA
Master Brew
Master Brew
English Bitter
4% · 34 IBU
Find matches →
Shepherd Neame India Pale Ale
Spitfire Amber Ale
Spitfire Amber Ale
English Bitter
4.5% · 30 IBU
Find matches →
Spitfire Lager
Spitfire Lager
Pale Lager
4% · 14 IBU
Find matches →
Whitstable Bay Lager
Whitstable Bay Lager
Pale Lager
4.5% · 24 IBU
Find matches →
All 9 beers from Shepherd Neame →

About Extra Special Bitter

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Extra Special Bitter?

Extra Special 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 Extra Special Bitter

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

Other Extra Special Bitters in hopIQ

FEATURED IN

#1 of 50The Best British Pale Ales→#5 of 50The Best British Beers→
Compare with another beer →