I haven’t had a Fuller’s Vintage Ale in quite some time it seems. The last time I took notes was on the very first edition of this divine brew ever to pass my lips, that being Fuller’s Vintage Ale 1998 Edition. Back then, I was so excited to get it that I drank it young and was amazed at how hoppy it was, at least for an English barleywine.

Having moved to Georgia, I don’t think I’ve seen this beer in quite some time. Its available here, though seems to be hard to find. Happily for me, the wife bought me a 4-pack gift box of the 2009 through 2012 editions for Christmas last year, and I decided to pop the Fuller’s Vintage Ale 2009 Edition first as it was the oldest.

Being that this is the 2009 edition, the beer has 6 years of age on it as I drink. Having enjoyed it young and aged, I’d give the nod to this beer with age on it, though you can’t go wrong either way. From the label:

I have crafted this ale from the very finest Goldings hops, Tipple malted barley and of course our unique yeast to create a truly extraordinary limited edition brew. –John Keeling Brew Master.

I found it quite curious that the label on my bottle stated this beer was “Best Before End 2012”. Being a potent brew under bottle-conditioning, it surely would last much longer than 3 years, and indeed why would Fuller’s sell this in a 4-pack vintage series past any best by date? The label of the beer solves this mystery.

Although we are obliged to state a best before date of 2012, like a fine wine or whisky this mellow golden ale will improve with age for many more years. For best results keep upright in a cool, dark room or cellar.

Fuller’s Vintage Ale 2009 Edition has an alcohol content of 8.5% by volume. The 4-pack ran $29.95 at Greene’s, a real bargain and at about $7.49 per bottle and not much more than the $6.95 I paid for the 1998 edition 17 years ago. This is the 13^th annual bottling of Fuller’s Vintage Ale, though no bad luck here folks. There’s something a little different about each vintage, too.

Fuller’s Vintage Ale 2009 Edition pours to a murky tawny amber color with a very light creamy head formation and a rich alluring nose of butter crunch and rum raisin ice cream. Taking a sip, the beer has a full luxuriant creamy mouthfeel that just slides over the tongue and coats it with complex notes of butter, rum and black currants. I get vanilla too amidst the rich flinty notes here, and the beer is amazingly smooth and creamy. The finish is balanced by hops, though the amazing malty and yeasty imparted flavors are the main attraction.

This is beer perfection my friends, and it really does not get any better than this. If you can still find a bottle, buy it. If not, don’t worry too much, just buy the latest release of this classic English beer. It’s really and truly one of the best beers in the world.

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled

(D)=Draft

 

 



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