A pint of Harveys Sussex Best Bitter in the hand
I’ve been looking forward to writing this one, because Harveys Sussex Best Bitter is one of my absolute all-time favourites. Harveys of Lewes, Sussex, has been brewing for two centuries and is a local icon. Its most famous and best-selling brand is the Sussex Best Bitter which makes up 90 per cent of Harveys’ brewing capacity. It won the “CAMRA Champion Best Bitter of Britain” title in 2005 and 2006, although it has been brewed since 1955.
Harveys describes the Sussex Best Bitter as “a superbly balanced session bitter with a prominent hop character”. I love a drop of the Sussex Best Bitter because it reminds me of an old school brew and looks perfectly at home in a proper beer glass with its distinctive frothy head bubbling over the rim. Not only does it look like a best bitter should, it’s got a delightful weight to it and a rounded fruit and nut flavour.
The essentials:
ABV: 4.0%
Colour: Deep chestnut brown with a frothy head
Nose: Fruity, hoppy aromas with a slight hint of egg
Taste: A magnificent rich fruity, nutty experience
Our verdict: A definite classic and worthy award winner. It’s the perfect session bitter.
Website: www.harveys.org.uk
