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SA

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A copper-coloured premium bitter that is malty and rich, with a nutty richness from pale and crystal malts and a dryness at the end. Challenger, Goldings and Fuggles hops go into the brew, and the aroma carries a hint of spirit. SA was first brewed in 1958, timed to Cardiff hosting the Empire Games, later renamed the Commonwealth Games.

ABV
4.2%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Malt-forward bitterness
SRM
amber12
PaceSession

AWARDS

Silver · 2025
SIBA Indie Beer Awards (regional, Cymru)
Cask British Bitter (up to 4.4%)
★Silver — SIBA Indie Beer Awards (regional, Cymru) (Cask British Bitter (up to 4.4%))
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
maltynuttycaramel
malty
nutty
caramel
Aroma
The nose leads with warm, malty sweetness from pale and crystal malts, supported by a distinctive nutty character.
not found:hoppy,roasted,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for SA

◎ Appearance

SA presents a bright copper hue with excellent clarity and a fine, persistent head. The carbonation is moderate and well-integrated, creating a stable foam collar that clings to the glass with visible lacing as you drink.

copper-colouredclearpersistent headfine carbonation

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with warm, malty sweetness from pale and crystal malts, supported by a distinctive nutty character. Beneath sits a restrained herbal and earthy quality from the Challenger, Goldings and Fuggles hops, with a subtle warming note reminiscent of spirit that adds complexity without dominating.

nutty richnessmalty warmthherbal, earthysubtle boozy notes

◐ Taste

The palate opens full and malty with pronounced nuttiness and a caramel sweetness that develops through the mid-palate. Bitterness arrives moderately, anchored by the noble hop blend, while the underlying dryness builds steadily, keeping the beer from becoming cloying despite its malty foundation.

malty, full-bodiednutty, caramelbalanced bitternessdry progression

◑ Finish

The finish is crisp and dry, with lingering nutty notes and a subtle bitter edge that persists for several minutes. The dryness prevails over any residual sweetness, leaving the palate clean and encouraging another sip.

dry, cleannutty aftertastelingering bitterness
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
78
Taste
80
Appearance
80
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 SA

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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 malty, nutty, rich character as SA will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →