Excelsius
Excelsius is the strongest of the brewery's classic ales, a full-bodied pale ale on extra pale malt that is dry-hopped with Citra and Galaxy. The hops give a pronounced fruit aroma of citrus, passion fruit and peach, and the tropical notes carry through on the palate. Despite the body it stays smooth, with restrained malt sweetness and a moderate, rounded bitterness. The name is Latin for 'ever upwards'. In May 2025 the strength was lowered from 5.2 to 5.0 per cent.
Tasting Notes
AI-generated sensory profile for Excelsius
Cold enough to sharpen the hop aroma without numbing the palate. Around 7–9°C keeps the citrus and pine vivid without losing bitterness definition.
The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.
Drink fresh — hop aroma fades fast. Best within 3 months of canning or bottling.
More from Ossett Brewery
About Pale Ale
Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives
What is a Pale Ale?
India Pale Ales are hop-forward ales with ABV typically 5.5–7.5% and IBU 40–70+. Bold citrus, pine or tropical aromas alongside firm bitterness and a clean dry finish.
Finding a similar Pale Ale
hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same full-bodied, citrusy, fruity character as Excelsius will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.