“This historic style of ale was originally created to refresh the troops at the height of the British Empire in India. This brew has faithfully recreated these traditional characteristics, creating a superbly refreshing beer. India Pale Ale is brewed to 5.3% and is a bottle conditioned beer. Bottle conditioning is a process whereby a small amount of yeast is allowed to ferment gently in the bottle, giving this beer the fresh, natural flavour of real ale.”

Glassware: English Pint.

Appearance: Slightly hazy golden orange with a short off white head. Decent retention with patches of spotted lace as it ebbs.

Aroma: It’s got a stronger malt profile than first predicted. Super bready, toasty and sweet with caramel and toffee. That Fuller’s house yeast provides a heady amount of estery apple/pear and aniseed while the hops do their thing by adding the classic earthy, floral and grassy characters. Getting a hint of zesty citrus tang as well. Diggin it!

Flavour: Fairly similar to the nose…picking up the toasty malts, bread crusts and subtle honey and caramel sweetness on the flank. The house yeast getting right in amongst it as well – kinda spicy/herbal with a touch of orchard fruits. Earthy, floral and fruity hops are a little timid but they’re there to be found. Slightly dry and grassy finish with hints of toast and cereal grains.

Mouthfeel: Pretty crisp and snappy. Mild-moderate body, dry-ish texture. The 5.3% ABV is pretty low for today’s standards but it works as this is as traditional English IPA as you’ll get.

Overall: Look, it’s a cracking drop and English to a tee but we much rather the London Pride or the ESB. We can respect it but, it does do all the right things.