A very traditional English best bitter, derived from the following real ale recipes in Graham Wheeler's book Brew Your Own British Real Ale:
Adnams
Adnams explorer
Bass draught
Brakspear
Brakspear special
Deuchars IPA
Courage best
Courage Directors
Flowers IPA
Flowers Original
Fullers ESB
Hop back summer lightning
Marstons Pedigree
Moorhouses Pendle Witches
Morland Old Speckled Hen
Ruddles Best
Theakston Old Peculiar
Taylor Landlord
Wadworth 6X
Youngs Special
Hop level and crystal malt level are averages of the values in the the above recipes.
2% torrified wheat added for head retention only.
Wyeast 1968 (Fuller's ESB strain) chosen for its estery profile and malty finish. Fermentation temp 20 deg C for moderate ester production.
Brewed with London tap water. Half the volume boiled to reduce bicarbonate hardness. 2 grams gypsum added to raise sulphate level slightly.
This recipe is designed for brew-in-a-bag using a 19 litre stockpot. Efficiency worked out at 75% according to Brewersfriend and 80% according to Beer Engine. IBU level 33 according to Beer Engine, but true value likely to be slightly under this as brew-in-a-bag has lower utilization.