Name: Vintage Ale 2023
Brewery: Fuller’s
ABV: 8.5%
Style: Strong Ale
Location: Chiswick, London
Colour: A deep reddish brown, replete with cloudiness that suggests a lack of finings, with a one finger buff coloured head.
Aroma: Notes of oak, whisky, sherry, mulled fruit, almonds and grapes. The whiff of alcohol is notable given the strength, it quicky engulfs the senses.
Taste: A distinct bitterness from the hops is imbued with notable toasty roasted flavours from the malt, where both pale and double roasted crystal malt work together to form the distinctive flavour profile and body. Hints of berry fruits and citrus come through from the background along with a golden syrup like sweetness. The flavour profile is reminiscent of a marmalade or conserve. The strength from the alcohol gives it’s a warming effect. The mouthfeel is medium bodied and smooth, lacking in carbonation.
Verdict: A glorious beer in both appearance and taste. Whilst sweetness and fruits dominate in the background, it is supported by the distinct roasted malty bitterness in the foreground which helps ground the flavours, leaving it well balanced overall and smooth. This beer is largely reminiscence of a Tripel or Trappist style beer, where various malts and hops are specifically chosen, in forming the distinguishing flavour notes. Fuller’s have excelled their selves with this beer.
Rating: 9/10
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