Fuller's launches 2005 Vintage

l Vintage stuff: best ingredients of 2005 in a bottle

September 9, 2005: Fuller's has launched the 2005 version of its annual, limited edition favourite, Vintage Ale.

Boxed bottles of beer - representing the finest malt and hops of the year - will contain 500ml of the 8.5% brew.

The beer varies each year - for 2005, Fuggles hops, floor-malted Optic malt and, of course, Fuller's own yeast are the key ingredients. Each bottle is individually packed and numbered and this year only 95,000 bottles will be produced.

"I really look forward to Vintage Ale coming out each year - its arrival is the highlight of the beer calendar," said Fuller's beer and brands director John Roberts. Brewing is a true art form and our brewing team have again shown that they are masters of their craft.

"The quality and complexity of Vintage Ale never ceases to amaze me. This year's edition is excellent, but the great thing is that it gets even better with age."

John Keeling, Fuller's brewing director, said: "I'm very proud of this edition, it is a wonderful beer and a worthy addition to the Vintage Ale collection.

"When poured, Vintage Ale 2005 is a deep copper colour, making it a very appealing beer to look at. On first sniff, the aroma is jam-packed full of spicy, peppery notes, yet bursts of toffee and vanilla combine to create a smooth, soft aroma.

"The flavour is dominated by biscuity malt flavours. The beer is incredibly rounded for such a young beer and in many ways the alcohol content does not come through as much as in previous Vintages. I can't wait to see what it is like in one, three, five or even seven year's time."

Vintage Ale 2005 will be available in selected supermarkets from mid-October. In the meantime, a very limited number of 2005, and previous Vintages may also be purchased directly from the Fuller's shop at the Griffin Brewery, Chiswick Lane South, Chiswick.