Photo courtesy of mushimalt.blogspot.com

I have made no secret of my ongoing respect for the London brewery Fuller’s. What is not to appreciate with England’s oldest indpendently-owned brewery? It is a rare thing for me to be disappointed with one of their offerings. Their commitment to traditional brewing approaches, in particular parti-gyle brewing (read here), is fascinating. I love that their core brands are different blending proportions of the two resulting mashes. And their ESB is in a class of its own.

So, it should come as no surprise that last year when they released their 170th Anniversary Celebration Ale I scooped up a couple bottles. I tried one right away (alas took no tasting notes) and saved one, which I decided to open the other night. I figured about 12 months was the right aging for this beer given it is 7% (although it is bottle-conditioned, which would extend its life).

The beer is light orange with a noted haziness. A tight white head builds on top. It is moderately carbonated, in classic British style. I get aromas of soft toffee, light fruit, some graininess, a bit of bread and honey. Interestingly inviting and complex.

The taste begins with soft grain, a silky fruitiness and a light breadiness. Some honey character accents. The front of the sip is quite is almost like a mead. The fruit has a zesty orange note. The middle brings out a stronger caramel note and fruity esters. The finish is lightly sweet with a slight alcohol tang. The flavours are complex but the overall impression quite subtle and delicate. Quite the feat.

I am impressed at how subtle a beer Fuller’s created for their 170th anniversary. Many brewers would have been tempted to release a big, robust extreme beer. I love that Fuller’s decided to demonstrate their brewing chops by producing a beer that is both complex and flavourful and easy to drink.

I could see myself drinking this beer any day. But anniversaries seem like an appropriate time and place.