Fuller's London Porter - Fuller Smith & Turner PLC

gr0g

New Jersey

4.15/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Very dark brown, but not quite opaque. One finger of foam that leaves a small lace crown around the pint glass. Nutty and chocolatey aromas. Generic roasted nut aroma, but it's a freshly roasted scent that's very nice. Hazelnut and chocolate note, think Nutella. The first whiff is very pleasurable, probably this beer's best attribute.

Roasted malt flavors with a balancing bitterness throughout. Closer to a brown ale than a rich stout in terms of dark malt character. Fruity esters can still be detected. Some coffee and licorice on the finish. Soft, slick mouthfeel. A bit more carbonation would help, but this is pleasantly smooth without a trace of harshness as-is.

London Pride is a great dark ale that's more than the sum of its parts. Everything comes together to yield a porter that's tasty and easy to knock back, if not quite at sessionable ABV levels. While generally $10+ per sixer (in NJ, eastern US), it's worth the price tag.

Serving type: bottle

05-21-2013 03:10:36 | More by gr0g

MeadEater

Ontario (Canada)

3.59/5  rDev -14.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 2.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Immediate off putting aroma. Wasn't pleasant in my opinion. Smelled a bit like something rotted. Poured to a mild 1" head. Solid lacing. Dark walnut colour, almost opaque.
Heavy molasses taste. For me, that's a good thing! Subtle chocolate and caramel notes, but overall sweet and molassesy. Not too astringent. A little thick on the tongue, but it is a porter.
Would definitely have bought a few for tonight had I known I would have liked it so much.

Serving type: can

05-21-2013 03:02:12 | More by MeadEater

SSEngelbrecht

Louisiana

3.83/5  rDev -9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

London Porter pours a rich, dark brown with a nice head that remains for a while before leaving a nice sticky lacing.

The aroma does not give away all that this beer has to offer in taste.

The big flavors from the roasted barley and bitter hops are apparent as soon as this touches your tongue. What I found was that this beer really doesn't open up until it comes close to room temperature.

Once warmed, the caramel and cocoa shine through as well as notes of spice and coffee that were hidden at lower temperatures.

This has a medium mouthfeel that gets thicker as the brew warms.

Overall, there is a reason this is a classic. It is not as adventurous as many new craft porters, but it is solid and there is a lot to appreciate.

Serving type: bottle

05-12-2013 15:00:14 | More by SSEngelbrecht

Bosoxfan20

Oklahoma

4.29/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

A- Poured from 12 oz bottle into pint glass. Pours a very dark mohagany that is almost black. 1 finger tan head that's quite fluffy. It quickly dissipates, but I won't knock it too much since a smaller layer of foam continues to linger throughout the drink. Fantastic sticky lacing.

S- Some intense roasted notes. Chocolate, coffee bean, mocha, molasis, english/crystal malts, and a touch of smoke.

T- A lot going on here. Nicely follows the headway the nose made. Sweet up front with the coffee and chocolate. A great roasted, warm finish with just a touch of bitterness from the hops to create the right amount of balance for the style. Layers of flavor.

M- Creamy, smooth, and drinkable. A little wet as it covers the tounge, but generates a dry finish. Everything you want here.

O- Another classic by Fullers. One of my favorite porters. So complex and so delicious. A brew that is tough to set the glass down. I felt like I just poured it, started making notes on the review, and before i knew it, it was all gone. Now I'm a little sad that I don't have another.

Serving type: bottle

04-12-2013 17:04:25 | More by Bosoxfan20

Stew4106

Louisiana

4.39/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.25

I feel that the beer has the same appearance, smell, and taste as previouse reviews. I am writing this to note that the roasted hops come on strong and one would expect a powerful taste, but this beer is suprisingly light an complex given its rich and dark smell and appearance.

Serving type: bottle

04-09-2013 23:37:25 | More by Stew4106

barczar

Kentucky

4.25/5  rDev +1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Pours an almost opaque deep brown with ruby highlights and a frothy half inch khaki head that dissipates moderately, leaving sheets of lacing.

Chocolate and toasted malt are evident as soon as the bottle is opened. Rich roasted malt is not at all charred, giving a coffee-like impression. Caramel nuttiness and hints of dark fruit add complexity.

Chocolate and a hint of roast open the flavor profile, initially dominating the slightly buttery, toasted, nutty caramel malt backbone. The finish is slightly dry. Malt character is very rich, with hints of dark cherries and coffee complementing the slightly sweet malt body.

Body is a touch full, with moderate carbonation.

Excellent beer. Not at all acrid, plenty of chocolate, not overly sweet. Very well balanced.

Serving type: bottle

04-05-2013 21:39:17 | More by barczar

PaterMorse

Indiana

4.31/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

As I sit in the loft of a favorite London pub, I swear the setting has nothing to do with the fact that I've happened upon one of my favorite beers. OK, very little to do with it....

Either way, this beer is simply a winner all around.

A quick review follows (pecked out on PDA, to commemorate a new friend):

A: Raisin colored, translucent. Think Pepsi after ice starts to melt. Quarter-inch head remains for a good little while, giving way to some nice lacing.

S: Very pleasant, mild. Choco-coffee, but yet earthy/grassy. Hints of red berries.

T: Very easy, very drinkable (dangerously drinkable, in fact!). Coffee aftertaste (coffee ice cream, to be precise).

M: Excellent balance. Perhaps I'm just off here, but it seemed wet on the tongue but dry on the finish. Near perfect. A bit higher carbonation than I'd expect and not "Guinness velvety smooth" -- which isn't a knock, but a point of comparison (and a note that the taste and aroma are silkier than mouthfeel).

O: A great new staple. Recognizing that the following is relative to taste preferences, the universe of beers you've tried, and how one defines a "macro-brew," this is [by far] the best macro-brew dark beer / porter / stout that I've had to date -- with the exception of Samuel Smith's very fine pours. Very enjoyable, great drinkability. For whatever it's worth, it also kicks more than 5.4% would suggest.

Repeat? Absolutely. It will rival Sam Smith, nudge Guinness to the back of the 'fridge, and all but extinguish future purchase of Murphy's when stocking good macro-brew stouts/porters for gatherings. {Two disclaimers: I'm not seeking to provoke debate by suggesting porters and stouts are interchangeable; I'm only confessing that porters & stouts are my favorite beers and the only types of beer regularly stocked in my refrigerator. I'm also not suggesting London Porter is as fun or complex or even as tasty as some other craft stouts/porters I've enjoyed/reviewed; but for the beers brewed by a seemingly large scale brewer (and, heck, for ANY brewer anywhere), this is VERY tough to beat!!}.

Where Best Enjoyed? I suspect anywhere, anytime. That said, I can guarantee it will be wildly enjoyed if any / all of the following are true: (a) you're in a pub on the fringe of Covent Garden with friends and family; (b) you're just digging in to a piping hot Sunday roast; and/or (c) it's one of those piercingly cold English days outside and yet you're sitting near a fireplace with no place to be anytime soon.

Two Words: London Perfect

Serving type: bottle

04-02-2013 02:48:36 | More by PaterMorse

fdig23

Pennsylvania

4.25/5  rDev +1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

From the bottle.

Appearance: Quintessential porter. Deep dark black. Perfectly fluffy tan head.

Nose: Chocolate and smoke. Burnt toast. Creamy vanilla.

Taste: Restrained doses of chocolate and charcoal. Super balanced and drinkable. There's a wisp of smoke over everything and an earthiness keeping it from being overly sweet.

Mouthfeel: Light but creamy. Endlessly drinkable.

Overall: The shining example of a quaffable porter. Packed full of earthy flavors with just enough sweetness to keep you coming back for more.

Serving type: bottle

03-26-2013 20:28:48 | More by fdig23

John_Henry

Japan

3.71/5  rDev -11.9%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

This is a great porter. Pretty much what you would expect. My only concern is that this is a little thin, especially in comparison to the Kernel and a number of other exceptional porters I've had lately. That said, I would certainly have this again, and could even see myself having a session of it if it were on tap.

Overall, certainly worth a go, but not in the same league as the Kernel.

Serving type: bottle

03-24-2013 17:18:47 | More by John_Henry

WissBrauSean

Pennsylvania

4.76/5  rDev +13.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

The bottle on this beer is great. Not only is it an attractive label, but homebrewers can reuse it to showcase their beers as well.

It pours a very dark brown/black that is almost opaque, but does allow light through highlighting some deep reds. It's not hazy but clear as you can tell by the bottom of the pint glass in my picture. The head is minimal and stays as a tan/brown ring around the glass mostly and has a decent dispersed polka-dot pattern that is pretty minimal.

I served this beer to myself too cold, which means that I am going to have to drink it slower that I desire so I can experience more of the aromas. I was first struck with roasted coffee and chocolate. I feel like dipping it in my fish tank water to heat it up. There are some notes of vanilla, caramel sweetness and some bread along for the ride. As I drink it and it warms up, I will make note of any other aromas if they occur.

The flavour is pretty much the same as the aroma. Creamy sweet maltiness starts off on the tip of the tongue and works its way back. By time it reaches midway it is in full force and the bittering hops become palpable while tastes like coffee, chocolate and, most importantly, vanilla start to show through to the end making it truly very smooth and creamy. Hints of bread also dabble in the mix.

The mouthfeel is sensational. Smooth and creamy dominate the drink with a nice moderately full body. The bittering hops take you through to the end leaving a medium dry, wanting feeling on your palate begging for another sip. The carbonation, mildly moderate to really help with the creamy soothing feel of the beer.

Overall, I would have to say that this is TOTALLY world class! I'm going to have to give this high 4's in most of the categories and ultimately the same for the overall score.

To H.E. double hockeysticks with the big boy beers! Get out there and taste what really makes a beer like this a craft. It was crafted long ago and perfected over the years. There is ages of experience in this beer and you have to give it a try. If you hate dark beers, this is by no means a mild dark beer, but it is one of the best and you owe it to yourself to try it. I guarantee that in the least you will appreciate this beer as a quality beer. You may not like it, in which case I would deem you insane, BUT you will know what a good beer truly is. Life is too short to waste on watered down experiences, go full throttle! *enter rebel yell here*

Serving type: bottle

03-19-2013 00:40:17 | More by WissBrauSean

tjsdomer2

Illinois

3.9/5  rDev -7.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Appearance: Dark chocolate brown with a just a bit of light coming through. Excellent lacing and good foam. Surprisingly light in appearance despite the color.

Smell: Tobacco is the main thing here. Some molasses, brown sugar, and chocolate. A hint of coffee. I love the smell, but would like it to be a bit stronger.

Taste/Mouthfeel: Roasted tobacco and some maple syrup. A bit too subtle for my liking, but it is enjoyable. Mouthfeel is definitely too thin, but not flat.

Overall Drinkability: This strikes me as an excellent example of an English Porter. Not my favorite style of porter, but this one is worth it.

Serving type: on-tap

03-17-2013 21:52:55 | More by tjsdomer2

JasonTaverner

Virginia

4.83/5  rDev +14.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75

11.2 oz bottle poured into a pint glass

Appearance-Extremely dark, barely any light penetrates

Smell-Inviting dark chocolate with undertones of high quality coffee.

Taste-Unbelievable, it tastes like it smells but even better. Chocolately with a delicious
Coffee finish.

Mouth-This is the kicker. Thin and light but ridiculously creamy. I don't how that is possible.

Overall-Great beer, quite possibly my favorite porter. Even better on draft.

Serving type: bottle

03-11-2013 17:53:00 | More by JasonTaverner

T100Mark

California

4.46/5  rDev +5.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

11.2 ounce Euro bottle in a 16 ounce mixing glass. A very nice looking bottle.

Appearance - Very dark. Tan head that doesn't stay around for long. Minimal lacing.

Smell - Big nose. Semi-sweet chocolate.

Taste - Semi-sweet chocolate. Malty. Oatmeal. Really smooth.

Mouth - Full bodied. Again, really smooth. Light on the carbonation.

Overall - What a great beer! Bold yet smooth. Complex yet chugable. How do they do it?

Serving type: bottle

03-07-2013 02:49:21 | More by T100Mark

BeerPhan86

New York

4.24/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

My first Fuller's beer ever. I'm more of an American IPA/DIPA guy, so I don't get into the English beers too much. Gift from my boss poured into a Guinness pint glass

A - Very dark chestnut brown, but not completely opaque with about a half finger of light tan head. Head quickly dissipates but the lacing is very persistent and sticky.

S - Coffee dominates overall, with dark chocolate and roasted molasses following.

T - Whoa! More chocolate in the taste than anything else. There is also a fair amount of roasted coffee. You can definitely taste a slightly metallic tinge in the finish, but the flavor and aroma hide it pretty well. A little bit bitter and earthy in the finish, maybe a hint of smokiness. Superbly well balanced.

M - Leaves the lips sticky. Creamy and smooth yet surprisingly light bodied for all the flavor here. Low carbonation.

O - A fantastic sipping, English style porter that is perfect for the colder months of the year. A must try if you like darker beers.

Serving type: bottle

03-05-2013 02:34:13 | More by BeerPhan86

atr2605

New York

4.4/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

A-pours black with a creamy tan head with nice retention
S-toffee, chocolate, grain
T-Bittersweet chocolate, with a slight roasted toasty flavor that leads to a toffee and sweet chocolate flavor
M-medium bodied with a bit of smoothness and fair amount of carbonation
O-First english style porter I have had and its delicious. Well balanced with great flavors that transition nicely.

Serving type: bottle

03-05-2013 01:21:31 | More by atr2605

themind

New Jersey

4/5  rDev -5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Fullers Porter is a good representation of the style. If you like Porters then this one should be on the top of your list to try. Deep, dark head with a smooth mouthfeel put this Porter among the best in it's class. This is the type of brew you could drink multiples of.

Bottom Line: Quality brew.

Serving type: bottle

02-23-2013 19:29:26 | More by themind

ArrogantB

Colorado

3.84/5  rDev -8.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Dark black color, decent head, surprised I haven't reviewed this before. Maybe I've never had it? Aroma was malty, decent. Flavor was malty with slight bits of cocoa and coffee as promised by the label. Overall, a decent porter and something I might pick up if the price happened to be right.

Serving type: bottle

02-09-2013 21:03:34 | More by ArrogantB

Utica_Brew_Review

New York

3.58/5  rDev -15%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Dark amber appearance with not too much head. Roasted chestnut aroma. The flavor kind of falls flat for us. The roasted nutty malted flavor and creaminess are apparent and taste great but without much depth or many nuances. It seems to not go the distance. Good beer but there are others that are more complete. Drinkability is also great as well as the finish. It finished a bit sweeter and it's flavor stayed strong.

Serving type: bottle

02-03-2013 07:10:32 | More by Utica_Brew_Review

keithmurray

Louisiana

3.81/5  rDev -9.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Appearance - dark mahogany colour with tan head

Smell - cocoa powder, toffee, molasses

Taste - cocoa powder, toffee, molasses, hint of coffee, hint of tobacco

mouthfeel - medium bodied, low/faint carbonation, slightly sweet upfront and slight bitterness to balance it out

overall - this is a decent porter that I'm glad to have tried

Price Point - $9.99/6pk 11.2oz bottles

Serving type: bottle

02-01-2013 23:39:17 | More by keithmurray

tdm168

North Carolina

4.36/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

A - dark brownish black with a thick, brownish head that fades to a thin lacing rather quickly

S - caramel, maybe some toffee, some faint roasted malts, maybe even some faint coffee

T - roasted malts, caramel, faint toffee, burnt sugar

M - chewy, sugary, medium to full bodied, well carbonated

This is a really solid, balanced, and complex beer. There are layers of caramel interspersed with roasted malts and faint toffee-like notes. There is also some sugar present which isn't cloying, but in fact add depth and balance.

This is one of the better imports I have had in a good while. This is definitely a porter that is worth checking out.

Serving type: bottle

01-26-2013 00:11:29 | More by tdm168

Bashao

Israel

4.28/5  rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours dark brown with nice froth.
Toasted and caramel smell.
The taste is chocolaty with toasted taste at the end of the swallow.
Full body almost creamy, feels like lunch in a glass.
A very good porter, not too much flavors and well balanced beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-21-2013 20:30:23 | More by Bashao

confer

Pennsylvania

4.13/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Pours dark brown, with a small layer of tan froth.
Smell is lightly toasted caramel.
The taste is so smooth. Just a hint of roastiness in the finish but starting with a not to sweet caramel candy flavor.
Feel is a little on thick thick side.
Overall a wonderful porter. Definitely worth getting again.

Serving type: bottle

01-20-2013 23:32:33 | More by confer

KYGunner

Kentucky

4.38/5  rDev +4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Before I had ever experienced the craft beer culture, Fullers was my go to Ale. It excites me to review this Porter.

Very dark in color you can catch a touch of the Porters notorious ruby hue at the edges. Darker than most the head does present itself with the telltale khaki color.
The head it stiff and bubbly and laced at the edge.

The scent is varied with a sweet malt and bready mix. Hints of chocolate and toffee are present ; I get a mousse like scent that is simply incredible.

The taste is quite frankly, awesome! Complexities abound with breads, burnt malt, coffee, cocoa, sweetness, bitterness, brownie and even prune. There's a malty dryness as well. A must try ale

Serving type: bottle

01-19-2013 23:03:36 | More by KYGunner

Giggy

Michigan

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

Beginning to really enjoy Fuller's brews. I have been pleasantly surprised with every one I have tried. This is a great Porter. Very simple but full of character.

A: dark chocolate brown with a fluffy brown to tan head as you would expect.

S: roasted malts and coffee. The aroma gets the saliva flowing.

T: chocolate, coffee, and roasted malts with a slight bitterness to it.

M: creamy and smooth. Light in body in comparison to the smell and flavor.

O: very easy to drink

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2013 22:10:03 | More by Giggy

RichD

Rhode Island

4.35/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25

Poured this British bad boy into my pint glass.

A: Pours a deep deep brown, almost black color. Small tannish head quickly dissipates into a rim of nothingness. Not too shabby.

S: Caramel is the overpowering aroma with some toffee and chocolate backing it. Smells so good I accidentally put my nose in it.

T: Oh man, is this good. Caramel and toffee start with some chocolate swiftly arriving. Some delicious roasted coffee beans come in for the finish. Some breadiness is also picked up as I continue sipping on this beaut.

M: This is a medium bodied brew with not much carbonation. Kinda leaves a creamy like feel which is ok, but I'd prefer this in a beer that has a higher ABV than 5.4%. Just ok.

Overall. This is a great brew. There's a reason why this is in the top 100. It's definitely one of the best English Porters I've ever had and it's a fantastic representation of the style. The drinkability is nice and this is a beer that I'll definitely revisit. I could picture myself drinking this in the rainy climate of London. Nice.

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2013 19:03:17 | More by RichD