Hsb Beer: Where To Buy And Enjoy It

Horndean Special Bitter (HSB) is a premium ale that was originally the flagship beer of Gales Brewery in Hampshire. It was first launched in 1959 and is known for its tawny, russet colour, fruity taste, and silky-smooth finish. Brewed with the finest malt and hops, HSB offers rich, soft-fruit flavours reminiscent of a traditional Dundee cake. While it seems that HSB is currently unavailable, it will return again in early 2025 according to the Fullers website. In the past, it has been available at Asda, Beer Barrels 2 U, and BWH Drinks. It has also been served at pubs such as The Bear Inn in Oxford, the oldest pub in the city, and The Good Intent in Petersfield, Hampshire.

Fuller's HSB online shop

Fullers HSB Online Shop

Fuller's HSB, or Horndean Special Bitter, is a premium ale first launched in 1959. It was originally the flagship beer of Gales Brewery in Hampshire and is known for its tawny, russet colour and fruity taste.

Where to Buy

You can buy Fuller's HSB online directly from the Fuller's Brewery website, where they are currently offering free UK delivery on orders over £50. They also offer 10% off your first online order when you sign up for monthly emails.

Fuller's HSB can also be purchased online from BWH Drinks, a UK-based alcohol wholesaler.

Product Details

Fuller's HSB is a smooth, balanced English bitter with a rich, soft-fruit flavour. It is brewed with the finest malt and hops, including Challenger, Fuggles and Goldings, and the same Gales yeast that gave it its famous flavour. With an ABV of 4.8%, it is a silky-smooth, full-bodied beer with notes of caramel, raisins, and a slight spiciness.

Awards

Fuller's HSB has won several awards, including:

• Silver at the International Beer Challenge in 2009
• World Beer Awards Europe's Best Best Bitter (Pale Ale) in 2011

HSB in-store at Asda

Horndean Special Bitter, or HSB, is a popular choice when it comes to beer, and it can be found in many Asda stores across the UK. This award-winning ale has a rich history, dating back to 1959 when it was first launched as the flagship beer of Gales Brewery in Hampshire.

HSB is known for its distinctive silky-smooth texture and well-balanced flavour profile. With a deep amber hue, it offers a sensory experience that begins with aromas of earthiness and sweetness. On the palate, the beer delivers a rich and full-bodied taste, with notes of caramel and raisins complemented by a subtle spiciness. This slight spiciness makes HSB the perfect beverage to pair with beef dishes, enhancing the strong flavours of the meat.

The secret to HSB's consistent quality lies in its adherence to tradition. Brewed with the finest malt and hops, the beer retains the same recipe and brewing techniques since its inception. The use of the original Gales yeast is pivotal, imparting the beer with its renowned flavour. This commitment to tradition has earned HSB recognition, including a Silver award at the International Beer Challenge in 2009 and the title of Europe's Best Best Bitter at the World Beer Awards in 2011.

When shopping at Asda for HSB, you can expect to find it in the beer aisle, typically stocked alongside other premium ales and craft beers. Keep an eye out for the distinctive tawny, russet-coloured bottles or cans, featuring the classic HSB logo. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, a barbecue, or simply enjoying a quiet night in, HSB is a versatile choice that pairs well with various dishes or can be savoured on its own.

Beer Barrels 2 U (December only)

If you're looking for a taste of tradition this December, Beer Barrels 2 U has you covered with their offering of Gales H.S.B. (Horndean Special Bitter). First launched in 1959, this premium ale has stood the test of time and remains a favourite among beer enthusiasts.

Brewed with passion and pride, the HSB boasts a silky-smooth texture and a deep russet colour, with malt and raisin aromas. The finest malt and hops come together to create a rich, soft-fruit flavour, reminiscent of a traditional Dundee cake. It's the perfect balance of sweet and bitter, with a gentle sweetness that lingers long after each sip.

The HSB is more than just a beer; it's a piece of history. Unchanged since its debut over 60 years ago, the age-old recipe still goes down a storm. The beer has earned its accolades, winning Silver at the International Beer Challenge in 2009 and being crowned Europe's Best Best Bitter at the World Beer Awards in 2011.

Don't miss your chance to savour a piece of brewing history this December. Remember, this fresh product must be delivered no more than four days before you plan to start drinking it, ensuring you experience the HSB at its very best. So, whether you're stocking up for the festive season or simply treating yourself to a taste of perfection, Beer Barrels 2 U is the place to go for your HSB fix this December.

The Bear Inn, Oxford

The pub is located on 6 Alfred Street, at the corner of Blue Boar Street, opposite Bear Lane. It is a small but mighty institution, seating just two dozen inside, but with a heated garden offering additional outdoor seating. The Bear Inn exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere, inviting locals and tourists alike to savour its offerings.

The Bear Inn boasts a rich history, with its early beginnings dating back to the 13th century when Lady Christina Pady bequeathed the property to St Frideswide's Priory. Over the centuries, the site has undergone various transformations, including serving as an inn known as "Le Tabard" in the 15th century and later becoming The Bear Inn by 1457. The present-day pub, established in 1774, stands on the site of the original inn, carrying forward its longstanding tradition of hospitality.

The pub also features a unique collection of over 4,500 snippets of club ties, started by the former landlord, Alan Course, in 1952. This tie collection has even found its way into popular culture, featuring in Colin Dexter's novel "Death Is Now My Neighbour," where Inspector Morse consults the landlord to identify a club tie.

Whether you're a local or a tourist, The Bear Inn, Oxford, welcomes you to step through its doors and experience a piece of history, savour delicious food, and indulge in a wide range of beverages, including the renowned HSB ale.

The Good Intent, Petersfield, Hampshire

The Good Intent in Petersfield, Hampshire, is a beautiful 16th-century country pub with open fires and beamed ceilings. Known as 'the country pub in town', it combines the charm of a country pub with the convenience of a town centre location.

The Good Intent has a reputation as one of the best pubs serving food in Petersfield. It offers quality home-cooked dishes, including delicious homemade pies, crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. It was a finalist in the Fullers Griffin Trophy Awards and Master Cellarman Awards in 2011 and also won Petersfield in Bloom in 2011.

The Good Intent serves a selection of real ales, including the Horndean Special Bitter (HSB). First launched in 1959, HSB was the flagship beer of Gales Brewery in Hampshire. It is a silky-smooth premium ale with a fruity taste and a tawny, russet colour. HSB is still brewed with the same passion, pride, and age-old recipe, using the finest malt and hops to deliver rich, soft-fruit flavours.

The Good Intent provides a cosy environment, perfect for enjoying fine food and ale. It is located on College Street, Petersfield, Hampshire, with the email address thegoodintentpetersfield@gmail.com and the phone number 01730 263838 for table bookings.

Frequently asked questions