Classic English Balance with Smooth Malt and Kent Goldings Character Brew a true ESB (Extra Special Bitter)—the classic English-style pale ale known for its balanced malt richness and firm, satisfying bitterness. This recipe delivers smooth, bready malt flavor with layered caramel depth, perfectly complemented by the earthy, floral character of British-style hops, including Goldings. The result is a flavorful pint with a mellow hop aroma, a confident bitter finish, and that unmistakable pub-ale drinkability. This 5-gallon extract recipe Detailed Kit Contents liquid malt extract, steeping grains, hops, and yeast—everything you need to brew an ESB at home (just add priming sugar if you’re bottling). What to Expect in the Glass Flavor: Smooth malt backbone with caramel/toast depth and a firm bitter finish Hop Character: Earthy, floral, and mellow with classic English-style balance Balance: Malt-forward yet crisp, with bitterness that stays clean and drinkable Color: Deep золотисто-amber to copper Kit Includes Liquid Malt Extract: (1) 7 lb pouch Pellet Hops: Northern Brewer, Goldings Steeping Grains: Crystal 40, Honey Malt, Special Roast Grain Steeping Bag: Included Wort Clarifier: Included Yeast: CellarScience ENGLISH Yeast Priming Sugar: NOT included (sold separately) Beer Stats Original Gravity (OG): 1.045 - 1.049 ABV: 4.5% IBUs: 41 SRM: 11 Helpful Brewing Notes Priming Tip: If bottling, add priming sugar separately; if kegging, you won’t need it English Character: Keep fermentation temps steady to highlight malt complexity and keep esters smooth Serving Tip: ESB shines with a slightly warmer serving temp than lagers—cool, not ice-cold Fermentation Requirements Fermenter: Use a clean, sanitized fermenter with enough headspace for a healthy 5 gallon fermentation. Temperature control: Keep fermentation steady and follow the yeast or instruction-sheet temperature guidance for the cleanest result. Packaging: Confirm fermentation is complete before bottling or kegging, then package carefully to avoid oxygen pickup. Helpful Bottling & Kegging Add-Ons Bottling this batch? Add powdered dextrose priming sugar so you are ready on packaging day. Use our Priming Sugar Calculator to dial in the right amount of sugar for your beer volume, temperature, and carbonation target. Kegging instead? Use our Beer Carbonation Chart & Keg Serving Pressure Calculator to choose the right CO₂ pressure for your serving temperature and carbonation level.
