Golden Pride - Fuller Smith & Turner PLC

Derek

British Columbia (Canada)

4.6/5  rDev +14.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Their Vintage Ale series is based on this recipe, with seasonal tweaks of the malts & hops. The Vintage is good, but always wonder if it's really worth the sticker price. This one doesn't come in a fancy box and it's as good as any vintage... hell of a value.

A: Amber-bronze with an off-white head, great retention & lace.

S: Very fruity: Pear, candied pineapple, mango, cotton-candy; toffee; light alcohol aroma that hints at sherry.

T: Loads of fruit on the palet: pear, mango, candied pineapple, swedish berries; nice sponge toffee from the malt with a generous bitterness for balance. Only a hint of alcohol warmth. Truly remarkable.

M: Moderate body is smooth with a slightly drying alcohol finish.

O: I've wondered why they call it Golden Pride, but this just might be the Gold standard for an English strong ale... and even a big industrial brewer should take pride in that.

Serving type: bottle

02-15-2012 04:04:24 | More by Derek

allboutbierge

Austria

4.63/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I've really been impressed by several of the English ales Ive came across recently.

Body has a very creamy but bright clear texture to it. Orangish mahogany colors with a boisterous white head which settles well and leaves heavy lacing.

Aroma is refined and although it offers a lot its not overpowering. Some spice in there, some biscuit, some pininess reminiscent of an aged SN Bigfoot. No real citrusness to it.

Tongue is lush and infinitely entertaining, but again, in a controlled and comfortable way. Theres no hop burn here, no unpleasant sweetness, just a well made blend of biscuit, pine spice with a lightly creamy texture.

Reminds me greatly of a one to two year old Bigfoot, however as this is more than likely more traditional, maybe it should be the other way around.

Serving type: bottle

12-20-2009 15:58:45 | More by allboutbierge

BeerGogglesReviews

4.9/5  rDev +21.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

http://youtu.be/wHAngPrzh2k
Oh my word! This is very strong but unlike many strong beers it's not a sumo wrestler in a tutu. There is a lorry load of honey nut oaty caramel lushness spread over Granny's homemade fresh baked bread. Warm marmalade and hot cuddles. These flavours are powerful yet subtle and balanced the alcohol isn't just there for numbers but adds to the symphony and helps carry those heavy flavours. These brewers are artists and should be celebrated as such. The Tate gallery should have a Fuller's exhibition.
B G Score 97/100.

Serving type: bottle

10-02-2012 03:21:09 | More by BeerGogglesReviews