Fullers London Porter (Bottle/Keg)

Brewed by Fullers
Style: Porter
London, England

I can see how many experienced raters can overlook this gem of a beer, with many new raters rating this perhaps what some see as higher than usual. But after having this several times in the past (it’s available everywhere) and having this on a Christmas Day tasting, one can see why it’s rated like it is. A big chocolate/nutty aroma may seem pedestrian to some, but it was simple and elegant to me. Flavor also has the chocolate sweetness, a nice roasted malt that didn’t really show up in the aroma, and a light smokey note shows up about mid-palate. The chocolate really stands up and grabs your attention though and it’s quite delicious. I would have to say London Porter is richly deserving of it’s iconic standing.

can. Poured opaque brown with a hint of red. Creamy beige head. Aroma is smokey. Full creamy mouthfeel, slightly flat texture. Flavours of espresso, smoke, bitter dark chocolate. Finishes lightly bitter.

Dark. Malty and raw. Minimal aroma. Finishes a bit long. Overall, not bad but, nothing to save.

Bottle. Pours black with modest crema head. Nose is so well integrated it seems a shame to pick out elements - but there’s chocolate, coffee, peat, and light woody hops. It’s rich, sweet and nutty but it still has a lightness to the palate. Elegant, balanced and refreshing.

Fuller’s London Porter is a dark brown ale with a cappucino colored head that leaves foam all over the glass. It has an aroma like toffee-- but not too sweet. It smells roasty, like chocolate, coffee and baked goods. here’s an earthy twang to it that’s unambiguously English. It’s medium-light bodied and quite smooth. he finish is ever-so-slightly chalky. It’s not that sweet on the tongue, really. It’s chocolatey and slightly bitter. It’s perfectly balanced. It’s a bit grassy and almost umami. Very classic; very drinkable.

Spectacular beer. Colour is dark black with some red and a lot of depth. Complex throughout; with toasted malts and a tiny bit of coffee. Delicious creamy chocolate ending. This was the first porter I ever tried and it remains one of my favourites. It actually made me fall in love with the style.

Pretty much black in color with a thick light caramel colored head. Aroma is of malts, smoke, slight soy sauce, and a slight nuttiness. Flavor is of chocolate malts, smoke, nuttiness, and a slight aluminum taste. Aftertaste is pretty smooth with that aluminum finish. After a couple of sips this one gets very, very drinkable. Great brew on a cold, blizzard filled night like tonight.

Smells like fresh baked pumpernickel with a brown sugar dusting and a bit of shoe leather in there. Big roasted malt aroma and flavor here to be sure but it comes with a lingering bitterness that I find to be off putting in a porter. Mouthfeel has one up on many porters due its creamy nature while not being clunky or stout like. The finish, unfortunately, is just flat out unpleasant. After drinking this I imagine I know what the bottom of an ashtray taste like because that is the aftertaste. I know it’s a classic but, not bad but not good is as far as I’m willing to go here. Thank You Fullers. 2009 12oz.