London’s brewer Fuller’s has once again delved into its rich history of brewing in the capital to produce a second beer in the Past Masters range of historic ales.
Past Masters Double Stout has been brewed by Fuller’s master brewers to a recipe found in the brewbook from August 4, 1893 – just a year after the now world-famous Griffin Brewery name was first trademarked and when Fuller, Smith & Turner was a mere 48 years old.
As with the first Past Masters beer, XX Strong Ale, the Double Stout recipe contains a revived malt variety, Plumage Archer, which had disappeared from brewers books for many years. Fuller’s brewers have worked closely with their maltsters, Simpsons, to recreate the ingredients and processes used by their forefathers as closely as possible.
Fuller’s Head Brewer, John Keeling, said of his new, old beer; “Past Masters Double Stout is a rich, dark brown creamy ale, which balances a rich, fruity aroma with smoky, bittersweet chocolate notes.
“It is 7.4% ABV and, like the XX Strong Ale we made last year, will change character over time – quite how much in another 118 years we’re not sure!
“I’ve really enjoyed looking back at my predecessors’ work to see how we can bring the recipes to life. We’re already thinking about the next brew, but as there’s a stack of brewbooks to search who knows what year the next one will be from.”
Past Masters Double Stout was launched at The Fuller’s Brewery Shop on Monday, May 23, 2011 where John Keeling was joined by beer expert Melissa Cole in a tutored tasting of both Past Masters beers to an invited audience of Fuller’s Fine Ale Club members. Past Masters Double Stout is now available on the shop’s shelves and on the Fuller’s online store. The limited edition bottles will also be available to buy in selected Fuller’s pubs from June – check Fuller’s website for details.
