Fuller's Old Winter Ale - Fuller Smith & Turner PLC

tai4ji2x

Massachusetts

4.5/5  rDev +14.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

on-tap at deep ellum, allston, ma

i just had to put in a word for this brew, from sparse notes and a fresh memory of last night. deep ellum's menu listed this is as a "bitter", and in a way it admittedly sort of skewed me into expecting something less hearty and complex. that said, from the moment the glass was put at my table, i knew i was in for a treat. the clear reddish brown color and great foamy head were just the beginning. then came the malty yet herbal nose, hints of spice.

robust flavor went great with my cornmeal battered fish. malts and assertive but balanced hop really melded together well. maybe some dried fruit to mix things up a bit. mild bitterness, evenly distributed.

smooth and drinkable, and a sessionable beer. best surprise of the night.

Serving type: on-tap

02-10-2008 02:10:40 | More by tai4ji2x

Halcyondays

California

4.2/5  rDev +6.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On-tap at Hollingshead's in Orange, CA,

A: Pours a medium/dark brown, with a medium off-white head, medium retention.

S: Light, but smells of rich caramel malt and spices.

T: A tasty brown, good caramel and brown malt core, the spiciness is subtle, clear bitter nutmeg notes add to the complexity of this ale.

M: A full-bodied winter warmer, some chalky feel from the spices, but overall, very good, carbonation is solid.

D: Very good Winter Warmer, in my opinion, first time I have ever seen this in the U.S., so I had to try it since I love Fuller's, did not disappoint.

Serving type: on-tap

01-28-2008 23:59:28 | More by Halcyondays

BEERchitect

Kentucky

4.33/5  rDev +10.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Very impressed with this beer. Caught it on tap last night at Pazzo's Pizza Pub. Although the beer does not hold a lot of complexity or multitude of varying flavors, the strong malt base and pronounced caramel flavors make this beer a candy in a glass. Maltiness delivers a firm base of sweetness, breadiness, and a mildly chewy texture. The caramel flavor is one of well-attenuated, toasted barley, and not of artificial toffee flavors. Mild fruits of apples, pears, and plumbs give the beer a bit of estery decoration. Hopped for balance, but offers a touch of herbal / pine flavors that don't distract from the malts. Finishes clean to be so sweet up front, with a crisp, minty finish. Very nice.

Serving type: on-tap

01-03-2008 20:57:52 | More by BEERchitect