Kirkstall Extra Bitter

◎ Appearance

Pours a bright golden amber with excellent clarity and a dense, persistent white head that clings to the glass walls with firm lacing. The carbonation is visible and lively, creating a fine bead that sustains throughout the session. The colour reflects the balance of crystal and amber malts underpinning this brew.

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with warm toffee and caramel notes from the grain bill, followed by subtle hedgerow fruit character—a soft, dried-fruit quality reminiscent of blackcurrant leaf. Late-addition Goldings hops contribute a gentle floral earthiness, while Bramling Cross dry-hopping adds a layered herbaceous complexity without dominating the profile.

◐ Taste

Entry is smooth and full-bodied, with pronounced caramel and toffee sweetness balanced by the invert sugar's subtle complexity. The mid-palate remains malty and generous, the Goldings bitterness arriving clean and measured at 28 IBU—enough to prevent cloying, without aggressive bite. Bramling Cross adds a peppery, slightly earthy undertone that evolves through the development.

◑ Finish

The finish is clean and persistent, with the bitterness trailing into a dry, slightly herbal aftertaste. The lingering warmth of the malt and a whisper of hedgerow fruit character fade gradually, leaving the palate refreshed rather than fatigued.