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Extra Special Ale

Yards Brewing Company
United States·Extra Special Bitter
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Floral and earthy, with a subtle spiciness from East Kent Golding hops, this deep chestnut English-style ale rests on a strong malt backbone with hints of chocolate and caramel. At 6.0% ABV and 44 IBU it is the brewery's first-ever beer and helped build a US following for cask-conditioned ale in the '90s.

ABV
6.0%
Bitterness
Strongly bitter44 IBU
Roasted bitterness
SRM
golden8
PaceA Few
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
What makes this beer itself
MaltHop
maltyearthyfloral
malty
earthy
floral
chocolate
caramel
spicy
Aroma
The nose opens with pronounced floral and earthy notes from East Kent Golding hops, followed by subtle spice and black pepper undertones.
also:hoppy
not found:juicy,roasted,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Extra Special Ale

◎ Appearance

Deep chestnut brown with excellent clarity and a dense, persistent head. Fine lacing clings to the glass with each sip, indicating good malt structure and proper conditioning. Carbonation is moderate and refined, typical of a cask-conditioned ale.

deep chestnutclearpersistent head lacing

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with pronounced floral and earthy notes from East Kent Golding hops, followed by subtle spice and black pepper undertones. Beneath the hop character lies a rich malt foundation with hints of chocolate and caramel sweetness. The aroma is balanced and inviting without aggressive hop intensity.

floralearthy spicechocolate caramelnoble hop character

◐ Taste

The palate leads with substantial maltiness and a smooth, velvety mouthfeel supported by the 6% ABV. Mid-palate reveals caramel depth and gentle chocolate notes, while the 44 IBU provides restrained bitterness and earthy hop definition. The finish builds gradually to a dry, lingering bitter conclusion without harshness.

malty backbonechocolate caramel sweetnessbalanced bitternesssmooth body

◑ Finish

Medium finish with a dry, earthy fade that persists on the palate. The bitterness ebbs gradually, leaving behind subtle chocolate and malt warmth.

dry earthy fadelingering malt warmth
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
84
Taste
82
Appearance
85
Finish
78
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.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Extra Special Ale

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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, earthy, floral character as Extra Special Ale will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

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