Fuller's India Pale Ale 500ml x 12

Fuller's India Pale Ale traces to the Griffin Brewery in Chiswick, West London, where it has been brewed since 1845. The beer emerged from the British tradition of high-alcohol, heavily hopped ales shipped to India during colonial trade—a style Fuller's has stewarded through two centuries of London brewing.

The grist combines pale malt with a touch of crystal malt, establishing a biscuit-forward base. Fuggle and East Kent Goldings hops—both English varieties—are deployed across the boil and conditioning, delivering herbal, earthy character rather than citrus punch. Fermentation occurs in Fuller's house yeast strain, a microorganism maintained continuously since the 19th century, imparting a dry finish and subtle fruity esters.

At 4.1% ABV, this is a session-strength IPA by historical standards, yet the hop bitterness (around 40 IBU) and dry malt backbone create a beer that drinks considerably more assertive than its alcohol suggests. The copper color and persistent head reflect traditional English ale production—no adjuncts, no modern high-alpha hop varieties.

Drinking window: immediate to 18 months from packaging. Fuller's IPA remains a benchmark for British hop character and brewery continuity.