Fullers Vintage Ale 2004

Formerly brewed at Fullers
Style: English Strong Ale
London, England

NOTE: THIS IS THE SAME RATING THAT I GAVE TO THE 2006 VINTAGE SINCE THEY TASTED IDENTICAL TO ME.
AROMA: Smelled of butterscotch, with a hint of malt.
APPEARANCE: The bottle said to pour carefully (since it was bottle aged and contained sediment) therefore the beer poured with no head and was a cloudy light copper color.
FLAVOR: This was my favorite part. It was butterscotch, biscuit like malt and alcohol in a very tasty combination. I normally like the alcohol hidden, however in this beer it added another dimension to it.
PALATE: This was a chewy beer, with ample carbonation due to the slow pour and a delicious finish of sweet butterscotch and alcohol.
OVERALL: I loved this beer! This was the second Vintage Ale from Fullers that I’ve had, however it will not be the last. An absolute masterpiece in beer brewing history!

2004: 72170: Excellent brew with the flavor and consistency of the previous versions I have tried. This beer was opened on Dec. 22nd, 2007 celebrating both friendship and Christmas with two of our friends and significant others prior to Christmas 2007. Excellent smooth mellow brew with a honey vineous flavor. Warming and soothing to the soul! A little quick on the finish but stil lastling and consistent. Perfect for a subtle substitute for a nice port . Nly enjoy with friends who enjoy a fine beer. Merry Christmas

This beer, very much superior to the 1845, is delicious. Less harsh and far richer. Smooth and soothing. Comforting to the jaded palate. It should give you a lift.

I put 8 of these away back in 2004 and this is the first one I’ve had. Why did I wait so long. This is an incredible beer. Heavy malt, toasted, nutty, light yeast, dough tawny port, nutmeg aromas. Nice frothy head. Mostly clear, but a littel opaque, reddish-brown color. Lots of dark fruit in the taste.

No. 72725. Thin, though capuccino-ish creamy head on top of a pretty vinous amber. Extremely complex nose including caramel, dates, eiswein, and brandied prunes as well as just the slightest suggestion of orange peel and clove. Flavour is soft and raisiny, dark brown sugar (although the sweetness is very subtle and well balanced), touch of banana bread and cabernet franc. An absolutely fantastic beer.

Bottle no 47714. A slightly hazy reddy amber coloured beer with a short-lived beige coloured head. The aroma is vinuous and creamy. Leather and cigars. Marmalade notes also. Slightly fusty but very welcoming. The taste is delicious smoothness. Fruity and malty. Alcohol soaked chesterfields. English hops. A beautiful beer probably at its prime right about now. Never, ever drink these beers young, for you are mssing so much character and flavour. Must buy more of each year’s vintage. My last beer of 2006. Happy New Year all.

Bottle number 00574. Clear amber with a steady beige head. Hoppy, fruity, sweet and malty aroma. Lively on the tongue, rich, full bodied and malty; sweet caramel flavours and lots of hops, with an excellent hoppy bitter finish. Alcohol makes its presence known, but is not overpowering. Excellent.

Bottle 38634 I thought this was excellent, although I’m not as experienced as most here. It poured a lovely copper colour with an inviting head. Aroma was of rich spices, maybe a little citrus. First taste was great, with a goodly amount of bitterness, but still balanced with sweet notes. I will definitely get a few more bottles and let them age (at $5.50 a bottle, why not!?).