Brewers Reserve

Fuller, Smith and Turner
London, England
Imported by: Distinguished Brands
Littleton, CO

Available: rare in U.S.

Fullers will sell 25,000 individually numbered bottles of this beer aged in whisky barrels. The company had to convince British customs officials to tax the new brew at the beer rate and not the higher levy charged for whisky.

ABV: 7.7
ABW: 6.1
Color: 15
Bitterness: 35
Original gravity: 70 degrees sach

Gold, with a depth of color tending toward brown. Delicate medicinal nose, nicely tinged with subtle oak and smoke. Good mouth feel, light but with an exquisite balance of caramel, wood and possibly burley tobacco. Clean finish with little indication of the 7.7 percent alcohol. We gave thanks for this delicious ale with smoked heirloom turkey, Olympia oyster dressing and candied yams. Sophisticated package rivals those of the single malts in whose casks this beer is matured.
- Charles Finkel

Pouring this beer into my glass develops anticipation. Rich, dense head. Deep amber color portrays caramel character to come. Full bodied with hints of managed extracurricular bio-fermentations. Foundation of rich amber and caramel malt character. Smooth, velvety. Spicy aromatics and flavors preface substantial satisfaction. Hops balance the structure, yet do not interfere. Oak cask aging is not aggressive. Every element seems slightly understated, yet together they collaborate to symphonic proportions. This is a big beer, yet is soothing, gentle and complex. Portrays a long and lasting relationship. Very cleverly done.
- Charlie Papazian

Charles Finkel
Founder of Merchant du Vin and the Pike Brewing Co., Charles Finkel is a pioneer in the marketing of craft beers in America.

Charlie Papazian
Author of the New Complete Joy of Homebrewing, founder of the Great American Beer Festival and a Beer Examiner at www.examiner.com, Papazian is a leading voice in beer and brewing.

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