What Is a Pint Of Bitter?

Has someone ever offered you a pint of bitter? Well, you’re in luck because the English beer style might be old-fashioned, but it is glorious! What is a pint of bitter? Well, let’s find out. Let’s start by saying not all pints are the same. In England, a pint is 568ml or 20 imperial fluid ounces. That’s a large drink! 

In the US, a pint is a tad smaller with just 16 fluid ounces of beer. And with that out of the way, let’s talk about the famous British beer — the bitter. What a beer!

Difference Between Ordinary, Best and Strong Bitters

Bitters are a classic British beer style that has been around since before WWI. Bitters vary widely, but they’re often light-bodied with low alcohol levels and low carbonation — they’re just an easy-to-drink beer with no complications. 

There are three main types of bitters, Ordinary bitter, Best bitter, and Strong bitter.

Ordinary Bitters

Are light and easy to drink top-fermented ales; they’re slightly bready, caramelly, and biscuity. With a relatively mild alcoholic strength of between 3.2 – 3.8% and not intrusive bitterness of between 25-35 IBU, these are crowd-pleasers.

Best Bitters

Are a bit bolder than Ordinary bitters. Expect more alcohol of between 3.8-4.6% and similar bitterness. Still, these pale, amber-colored beers are maltier than the also popular Golden Ales. 

Strong Bitters

Are the boldest in the category, with alcohol levels between 4.6 – 6.2%. Producers use the finest ingredients for their Strong bitters, but they share similarities with the other easy-drinking bitters. This one is genuinely a strong ale, but it’s still very accessible for the inexperienced. 

History of the Pint of Bitter

The British bitter was the go-to draft beer in the country a few centuries ago. All pubs had a version of it, and since the style is lightly carbonated and low in alcohol, it served as the perfect session beer for everyone wanting a light drink without committing to the country’s more robust Porters, Stouts, and Strong Ales.

With bitters, what you see is what you get. A good-old bitter is perfect for unwinding and quenching your thirst after a long day’s work — that’s what they do!

Bitters now vary widely, though. Now you’ll find bone dry bitters while others are slightly sweet; you’ll discover heady bitters as well, along with more traditional flat beers. 

How Does a Pint of Bitter Taste Like?

Bread, biscuity, medium-roasted malt, bakers’ yeast, and the lightest hints of fruit make Bitters quite pleasing. Never overcomplicated, the style rarely disappoints.

On the palate, you’ll find a medium mouthfeel, and hop flavors are often in the background with hints of flowers, earth, and resin. 

The low carbonation is critical for the style, and so is its medium to low body. Think of the most accessible and most refreshing beer you’ve tried; well, bitters are just that. That’s why they’ve remained popular for over one hundred years!

How to Pair a Pint of Bitter Beer with Food?

Although it might sound like a cliché, bitters are the perfect beers for the most classic beer snacks. Pretzels, chips, and all types of fried food, wings, peanuts, and even brined olives shine when served with the straightforward beer style.

On the table, you’ll love what bitters do when paired with whitefish and light seafood. This might be the best alternative for fish and chips! You can also enjoy bitters on your own. They’re not bitter at all; on the contrary, they’re the very definition of beauty in simplicity.

Examples of Some of the Best Bitter Beers