John Smith's Original Ale
Distinctly malty and bittersweet: toffee, roasted grain, a smoky edge and dried fruit with a hint of spice in the aroma, then digestive biscuit, whole grains, toffee and a coffee note on the palate. Light and slightly drying in the mouth, it finishes with a clean bitterness that builds. Brewed at the Tadcaster brewery, where it has long been the bedrock of the house, at 3.6% ABV.
Tasting Notes
AI-generated sensory profile for John Smith's Original Ale
Serve at 7–10°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.
The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.
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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 malty, bitter, roasted character as John Smith's Original Ale will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.
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