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Fuller Smith &a Turner P.L.C Griffing Brewery Chiswick, London
Brewed since 1997 in England
? alc. vol.
Introduction
Vintage Ale is a truly classic and distinguished bottle-conditioned ale. Each vintage is a blend of that year’s finest malt and hops creating a unique limited edition brew. Following the success of Vintage Ale over the past 8 years, Fuller's have once again produced a very limited quantity Vintage Ale brew for 2005.
Being bottle conditioned, it is after bottling that the flavours truly begin to develop, and continue to do so well beyond the best before date that we are obliged to state. Here at Fuller's, we recently opened (in the interests of research, of course) a bottle of the 1998 Vintage: it tasted better than ever so stock up on 2005 Vinatage Ale now, you'll be glad you did in years to come!
Tasting Notes
Vintage Ale 1997
Brewed on 18th May and 22nd July 1997 this is the first in the portfolio of Vintage Ales. Dark in appearance, the taste is almost brandy like with a hint of fruitiness in the aroma.
Vintage Ale 1998
The second in the series, this Vintage Ale was based on a Champion theme with the addition of Champion Alexis malt and Champion Northdown aroma hops. The result is a sweet, warming, creamy ale that is beautifully balanced.
Vintage Ale 1999
The Champion theme was used once again for this classic Vintage Ale with Champion Fuggles and Champion Optic malt. Slightly redder in appearance, this ale is full of body with a sherry-like flavour.
Vintage Ale 2000
85,000 bottles of Vintage Ale were produced with an organic theme, using Champion Optic Malt and Organic Target Hops. A fresh hop aroma with notes of honey and toffee, leads to a slightly sweeter taste and burnt, bitter aftertaste.
Vintage Ale 2001
Only 30,000 bottles were produced and packaged of this ‘back to tradition’ based brew. Maris Otter malted barley malt was used to create this wonderful golden ale that delivers a lingering bitterness full of flavour.
Vintage Ale 2002
As the year of the Golden Jubilee the golden theme was applied to this special commemorative Vintage Ale. Goldings hops and Golden Promise malt were used to produce this copper coloured ale with a fruity, orange peel aroma and a spicy, satisfying taste.
Vintage Ale 2003
50,000 bottles were brewed using a traditional recipe of Target, Challenger and Northdown hop varieties. The taste is rich with notes of marmalade, raisins and Christmas cake; the spicy hops well balanced with a pleasant bitterness.
Vintage Ale 2004
95,000 bottles were produced for 2004's Vintage, which once again employed a traditional approach, this time brewed with Goldings hops and Maris Otter malt. Distinctive cherry notes are evident, before a warming finish that mellows with age.
Where you'll find us
Vintage Ale 2005 is now available to buy from Waitrose stores in the UK.
This year's edition will also be available in the USA nd Canada.
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