Harvey’s

Why it matters

A regional independent that has resisted expansion, and whose 4% bitter is a standing argument that strength and quality are unrelated.

Details

Reference beers

• Harvey’s Sussex Best Bitter4% ABV

  A southern English best bitter of unusual depth for its strength, and a frequent answer when British drinkers are asked to name the best cask beer they know.

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Styles it is associated with

• Best bitter — A step up from ordinary bitter in strength and depth, with more malt body while staying firmly sessionable.
• Old ale — A matured English strong ale with dried fruit, treacle and often a trace of oxidative or wild character from age.
• English porter — The original dark British beer: chocolate and light coffee over a nutty malt base, restrained rather than aggressive.

Traditions

• British cask ale — Beer that completes its fermentation in the container it is served from and is dispensed without added gas, at cellar rather than fridge temperature.