Fuller's recreates old recipes in new Past Masters series

By Claire Dodd Claire

- Last updated on GMT

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Fuller's has decided to dig into its archives and recreate historic beers in a new series called Past Masters. The first beer to be released is XX...

Fuller's has decided to dig into its archives and recreate historic beers in a new series called Past Masters.

The first beer to be released is XX Strong Ale which follows a recipe from September 2, 1891. The 7.5 per cent ABV ale includes long-forgotten malt variety Plumage Archer, Goldings and Fuggles hops and is described as having warming overtones and a rich and spicy flavour. It is intended to age.

John Roberts, Fuller's managing director, said: "What sets us apart from so many brewers at the moment is our history. We thought it would be fascinating to see how some of our old recipes would turn out if we had a go at brewing them for a more modern audience.

"We have created an authentic strong old ale, with a distinctive richness that I certainly haven't tasted before."

John Keeling, Fuller's head brewer, said the brewery had been spoilt for choice from past recipes to choose from. Fuller's sought help from brewing historian Ron Pattinson to recreate the recipe.

"This beer will be brewed once, and once only," he said. "The dimension of time is a really interesting one and one we fully intend to exploit with past recipes, but also with the effect of time on beer."

A new beer will be added to the series every six months. The beers will be bottle conditioned in 500ml bottles. They will be available from the brewery shop and online. A limited number of specially selected Fuller's pubs will receive the beer before Christmas, before it is rolled out to the general trade in early 2011. Only 150 barrels have been brewed.

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