Some beers are named after places. Others are named after legends. This one is named after Cara, one of our talented TBK brewers who is often affectionately called “Special.”
Naturally, Cara’s Special seemed like the only appropriate name.
Cara developed this Extra Special Bitter recipe and brewed it on our pilot brewhouse. Now she thinks you’ll find it every bit as “Special” as she is. We happen to agree, but we may need another pint before making the final determination.
An English Ale With Plenty of Character
Cara’s Special is a traditional English-style ESB brewed with English malt, hops and yeast. Together, they create a flavorful yet approachable ale with notes of rustic bread, a touch of caramel and lightly fruity undertones.
At 5.4% ABV and 41 IBU, it has enough character to keep your attention without turning every sip into a wrestling match with your taste buds.
Now, about that name: Extra Special Bitter.
Despite what “bitter” may suggest, an ESB is not an aggressively bitter beer. In British brewing, “bitter” traditionally describes a family of balanced, hop-forward pale ales, not a liquid punishment for something you did in a past life.
The 41 IBUs give Cara’s Special a pleasant hop presence and a gently dry finish, but the bitterness is balanced by the beer’s bready malt character and subtle caramel sweetness. The English yeast adds lightly fruity notes that help round everything out.
In other words, it is bitter, but not bitter bitter. It has moved on, found peace and is doing just fine.
The result is a smooth, balanced and highly drinkable English ale made for people who appreciate flavor without needing their beer to shout at them.
Celebrating the Women Behind the Beer
Cara’s Special continues TBK’s celebration of the talented women helping shape today’s craft beer industry.
Earlier this year, the women of TBK came together to brew Pink Rajah, supporting the Pink Boots Society and its mission to assist, inspire and encourage women and non-binary professionals in the fermented beverage industry through education, scholarships and career development.
Cara’s latest creation puts another TBK woman and her recipe right where she belongs: front and center.
Have a Special Beer With Cara
Join us at The Brew Kettle Strongsville on Friday, August 28, at 5 PM as we tap the first keg of Cara’s Special.
Come meet Cara, raise a glass and enjoy a beer that is flavorful, balanced and much less bitter than its official style name makes it sound.
Cara’s Special ESB
5.4% ABV | 41 IBU
Tapping Friday, August 28, at 5 PM
The Brew Kettle Strongsville
Cheers from the TBK Brew Team!
