Fuller’s London Pride is an English Pale Ale that’s brewed by Fuller Smith & Turner PLC, and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a nonic pint glass from a 330 ml bottle.
Packaging art for the Fuller’s London Pride by Fuller Smith & Turner PLC
What You Need to Know
Fuller’s London Pride has been brewed since 1958 and this classic English Pale Ale has taken home numerous awards over the past few decades. While not the reason that gives this brew its Pride (more on that below), the beer is known for its balance of malt and hops that give rise to its well-rounded flavor. So how was it? Let’s get to the review.
Appearance
The ale pours a crystal clear golden hue and is topped a finger-thick cap of loose, ivory white froth that shows modest retention. The head’s reduction leaves behind a thin ring of bubbly foam that rounds the glass.
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Aroma
The Pale Ale’s aroma is mild with a scent of toffee, bready malt, and floral hops.
Flavor
The palate follows the nose with toasted bread malt leading the tasting. A mild bitterness of floral and earthy hops caps a finish that lingers briefly. Toffee, bready malt, and a hint of tangy orange lightly sweeten the swallow.
Label art for the Fuller’s London Pride by Fuller Smith & Turner PLC
Mouthfeel
Its feel has a soft and smooth draw that picks up a mild astringency on the backend. Slightly oily, its medium body has a little over light carbonation.
Overall
Its presentation meets the standards of the style. Aromatics are slight but pleasant. Its feel is right in line with expectations. Clean, easy drinking, and sessionable, Fuller’s London Pride is a fine representation of the English Pale.
Recommended Pairings
Fuller Smith & Turner recommend roast chicken, potatoes, and gravy as food pairings with their Fuller’s London Pride.
A Flowering Pride
Fuller’s London Pride takes its name from the common name for the Saxifraga × urbium flower. The name was in use by the nineteenth century and is known for having provided shoots of recovery on the bombed sites left by the London Blitz of the early 1940s. As such, the flower was a symbol of pride for Londoners and was celebrated in the patriotic song “London Pride” written in 1941 by Noël Coward.
