Adnams is bringing back Extra as an autumnal seasonal on draught ahead of Cask Ale Week in September. The historic brew will also be available in cans for the first time ever.
Extra, a hoppy extra special bitter from the historic Adnams recipe books, is remembered for its intense English hop character and thirst-quenching finish.
Much revered in the past because of the high levels of English Fuggle hops, Extra won the Champion Beer of Britain title at the 1993 Great British Beer Festival. It also made an appearance as a limited release for the inaugural Cask Ale Week in the early noughties, and will be available on draught again for this year’s event, from 17th-27th September.
“The essence of Extra all those years back was its resinous quality,” said head brewer Dan Gooderham. “It was vibrant and punchy, with a whole basket of interesting aromatics that came exclusively from the Fuggle hop.
“It has a gloriously hoppy, floral, and herbal aroma which follows through on the palate, where it is balanced by the biscuity fullness of the malts.”
He added: “With growing interest in heritage brews, we were excited to brew it again for our 2026 seasonal calendar. As well as heading back to the pumps, it will also be packaged for enjoying at home, for the first time in its history.”
Dan scoured the records, spoke to enthusiasts, and sought out past Adnams brewers to gain an insight into what made it so special. “One of the greatest privileges as a head brewer is knowing you are a steward or custodian, preserving the quintessence of a beer. A lot has changed in the brewery since we first brewed Extra, so speaking with those who remember the beer has been crucial to bringing it back.
“Our archives also provided a tangible peek at the past; like discovering we’d selected this year’s Fuggle hops from the same grower we used back in the 90s. We hope Extra fans enjoy its return and that it creates a little extra excitement around this year’s Cask Ale Week.”
