It’s an ESB Showdown At West Side And Gilligans!

Written By: The Gnarly Gnome

8/19/25

There are a few styles that often vie for my “favorite” status at any given moment. Helles Lager, Oktoberfest, English Milds… and the excellent Extra Special Bitter. With the rise of IPAs through the craft beer market, the wonderful malty yet balanced personality of a great ESB has been left behind by far too many of my favorite breweries.

I think that’s also why when I heard about West Side and Gilligan’s throwing their ‘Extra Special Showdown’, I got so freaking excited.

We might be getting ahead of ourselves… I recognize that not everyone will be familiar with the style.

The Extra Special Bitter

Born out of Fuller’s in the UK, Extra Special Bitter is the strongest of the English Bitter family of beers – though… when I say strong, or bitter, you have to put that into the right context. The ABV of these beers usually hits under 6%, and the IBUs (If you like to measure that sort of thing) are around 30-45.

It’s neither “strong” nor “bitter” by today’s standards, instead being balanced in the best ways possible.

The beer is amber in color, and it sits right in the middle range of perceived malt, hops, and bitterness. It’s a beer meant for drinking (something that sometimes I worry some breweries have forgotten).

If you’re enjoying the content that I’m making (and I hope that you are) you can always support it by heading over to Patreon to become a ‘Gnomie’ – it’s cheaper than a beer… and so, so very appreciated!

The Extra Special Showdown

West Side and Gilligan’s (their second, more European-focused location in Wyoming) are working on the recipe for their new flagship ESB – and like sometimes might happen when you have two breweries and a whole host of brewing talent, they are having trouble deciding which recipe is the one that deserves to make it.

That’s why they are asking for our help.

This weekend, August 22nd through the 24th, they’re putting both of the beers on tap at both of their locations. For only $10 you can get a glass of each one of them, and a chance to vote on which one YOU think deserves to hold the crown.

As someone who is a fan of both ESB – AND of feeling like people are listening to my opinions, I love this – and I’ll definitely be casting my vote!