Master of Wine and wine director of Hatch Mansfield I have been a huge fan of Fuller's for many years and this excellent beer only serves to strengthen my feelings for them. The packaging is stylish and the branding clear and easily recognisable in a conveniently sized half litre bottle. There is plenty of depth and a very attractive rounded, gently hoppy flavour to the beer which is neither too gassy nor too bitter. It does, however, have a whacking 8.5% alcohol, so this is a beer to be savoured rather than guzzled in volume. Real ale fans will doubtless approve of another first class offering from this well run independent brewery. Rating out of 25 ­ 21 Gary McCall Managing director of Poulter Partners Everything about the packaging suggests this product is aimed at the bottled beer enthusiast. A traditional embossed bottle featuring the Fuller's Icon ­ the Griffin ­ and communicating the brewer's independent status is supported by front and shoulder labelling. The normal clutter is missing, with the communication concentrating on effective branding and strong use of colour. The understated award-winning credentials and low key communication of its 8.5% strength reinforce its niche targeting, appealing to either existing consumers or consumers with time to peruse the fixture and who fancy a very strong tipple. Rating out of 25 ­ 17 Carol Du Cann Senior buyer (beers, wines and spirits) at Alldays The Fuller's name is prominent, but the bottle would benefit from more shelf presence. In this category, shelves can be very crowded and these beers do tend to look very similar. The beer is a deep amber colour, with plenty of bubbles. It smells almost creamy, with malty and hoppy flavours. As you would expect with 8.5% alcohol, it tastes strong, but is not overly sweet as some beers of this type are. It is a wonderfully complex beer ­ one for the serious beer drinker. At this time of year and in Fuller's heartland, I am sure this will sell. But I am not so sure otherwise. Rating out of 25 ­ 15 Total score out of 100 ­ 71 {{DRINKS }}

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