Pretender to the Crown

English Bitter (sort of) — 2026 / v2 / Batch #11

5 gal

Batch

1.055

1.014

5.4%

ABV

IBU

Grain Bill

BESTMALZ BEST Pilsen (57%)	6 lb
The Swaen GoldSwaen Hell (29%)	3 lb
Rahr Wheat Malt White (5%)	8 oz
Weyermann Oak Smoked Wheat Malt (5%)	8 oz
Rolled Oats (5%)	8 oz

Hops

UK Goldings — 60 min	1.0 oz
UK Goldings — 15 min	0.5 oz
UK Goldings — 5 min	0.5 oz

Yeast

Fermentis SafAle S-04 English Ale

1 pkg

Mash

Single infusion at 149°F for 60 minutes. Mash water: 4.7 gal. Sparge with 2.53 gal to reach pre-boil volume of 6.28 gal. Boil 60 minutes. 72% efficiency.

Fermentation

Primary at 68°F for 14 days. Fermentation start: May 8, 2026. Bottling date: May 22, 2026.

Carbonation: 3.61 oz table sugar in 4.47 gal to reach 2.4 vol CO₂.

Notes

GoldSwaen Hell is a crystal/caramelized malt — contributes color, body, and sweetness. At 29% of the grain bill, expect a fuller, sweeter beer than a traditional English Bitter.
Oak Smoked Wheat adds a subtle smoke character. The "pretender" part: these ingredients are approximations of what an actual English Bitter would use, built from what was on hand.
A slightly different take on the 2025 original. Still pretending. Still knows it.