Fuller's ESB > Reviews

Advantages: A totally wonderful beer
Disadvantages: at 5.9% abv, it could sneak up on the unsuspecting

I can’t quite believe I did it, but I gave away…GAVE AWAY…my last bottle of Affligem beer…which left my fridge looking sadly empty (Hey…why would I want to clutter it up with food?) and sad. Beer drinking at home hasn’t been the same since my mate Duncan moved to Switzerland. I had become more than a little accustomed to the sound of him berating Doogie (my faithful canine companion and drinking buddy) through the letterbox; stooping his 6’8” frame ... Read review

Advantages: Strong and fruity
Disadvantages: A little too fussy

I've spent quite a bit of time in London recently and so have become quite au fait with the local brews. (No, au fait is NOT Scots for all full...). Basically, this means a choice between Youngs and/or Fullers, and not wishing to show any favouritism, I sampled as many of both as I could although this review is about just the one, Fullers ESB. ESB (Extra Strong Bitter) was first brewed back in 1971, although the Griffin Brewery on the banks of ... Read review

Advantages: Tasty and lovely texture. Nice and very drinkable.
Disadvantages: Quite a high alcohol content.

We’ve recently got back from a really nice few days in London; an A-ha concert at The Royal Albert Hall, some sightseeing and a chance to try some excellent Fuller’s beers! The latter came about when we turned up early for our train from St. Pancras. We had a couple of hours to kill and didn’t want to carry our bags around any longer…what was the obvious solution? We went to the pub! We went to an O’Neil’s pub for lunch and ended up having to fork ... Read review

Advantages: A very nice, full flavoured strong bitter
Disadvantages: Difficult for us northerners to find the draft

I have been delighted with some of the bottled brews produced by Fuller’s of Chiswick in the past. My personal favourite is their “Jack Frost” – brewed with blackberries. I can’t wait for winter to come around again. When I came across another of their labels at the local supermarket recently time was right for another taste testing. “ESB” stands for Extra Special Bitter – and the brewers want you to understand that these are three words “that ... Read review

Advantages: A big, uncompromisingly hoppy and fruity strong bitter
Disadvantages: Cask version only normally available in Fullers pubs

Fullers are best known for their London Pride Best Bitter, which is available all over the UK, heavily advertised and promoted, and now exported overseas. Don't get me wrong, Pride is a great beer, but ESB - Extra Special Bitter - is the King of the Fullers Range. Fuller, Smith and Turner have been brewing in Chiswick, West London for centuries, but the pedigree of ESB dates back only to the real ale revival of the 1970s when they supplemented ... Read review