Fuller's ESB was first brewed in 1971 as a replacement for a beer called Old Burton Extra.

At this time, breweries commonly produced both an "ordinary" bitter and a "special".

It is sold in both 5.5% cask conditioned form as well as pasteurised at 5.9% in bottles and kegs.

[1] Fuller's ESB was named CAMRA's Champion Beer of Britain in 1978, 1981 and 1985.

It has also been named CAMRA’s Strong Ale of the Year seven times – more than any other beer.