Fuller’s brewed 1845 to mark its 150th anniversary using a Victorian recipe, and it has become a modern classic. It is a bottle-conditioned strong ale, meaning it carries on maturing in the bottle, and it is rich, fruity and deep, a step up from the everyday London Pride. It is one of my favourite English strong ales. I picked one up for this guide.
Fuller’s 1845 at a glance
| Style | Strong ale |
| ABV | 6.3% |
| Calories | Around 200 per 12 fl oz |
| Brewery | Fuller’s, London, England |
| Character | Fruitcake, marmalade, toffee, warming |
| Best served | Cool, in a goblet |
How it tastes, by the numbers
This is a rich, fruity, malt-driven strong ale, deeper and more warming than a standard bitter.
The full review
It pours a deep, hazy amber-red with a creamy off-white head, the haze coming from the live yeast in the bottle. The aroma is rich and inviting, fruitcake, orange marmalade, toffee and a warm boozy note.
The flavour is deep and satisfying. There is a rich caramel and toffee malt, a wave of dried-fruit and marmalade character and a firm, balancing hop bitterness that keeps the sweetness in check. The bottle conditioning gives it a lively, rounded texture.
It is a proper big-flavoured ale that still drinks well. At 6.3% it is warming without being a struggle, and the depth of the malt and fruit makes it feel like a treat. It is what London Pride would be if you turned everything up.
A rich, characterful, bottle-conditioned strong ale from a top English brewery. A modern classic and a lovely cold-weather pint.
It is what London Pride would be if you turned everything up.
- A rich, characterful strong ale
- Fruitcake, marmalade and toffee depth
- Bottle-conditioned for a lively texture
- A modern English classic
- Warming, so not a session beer
- Sweeter and fuller than a standard bitter
Who it is for
If you love London Pride but want something richer and stronger, 1845 is the upgrade. Perfect for cooler evenings and slow drinking.
Fuller’s 1845 FAQs
What does bottle-conditioned mean?
Bottle-conditioned means the beer carries live yeast and keeps maturing in the bottle, developing a fuller, rounder character and a natural, lively carbonation. It also means the beer may have a slight haze and a sediment at the bottom.
What does Fuller’s 1845 taste like?
Rich caramel and toffee malt with a wave of fruitcake and orange-marmalade character, balanced by a firm hop bitterness. It is deep, warming and satisfying at 6.3%.
Why is it called 1845?
Fuller’s brewed 1845 to celebrate its 150th anniversary, using a strong-ale recipe based on Victorian brewing from around that time. The year marks the founding of the modern Fuller, Smith and Turner brewery.
Where to buy Fuller’s 1845
Fuller’s 1845 is available in bottles across much of the US. Buy it using the button above and pour it carefully to leave the sediment behind.
The verdict
Fuller’s 1845 is a rich, bottle-conditioned English strong ale, all fruitcake, marmalade and toffee at a warming 6.3%. A modern classic and the perfect step up from an everyday bitter.
FAQs
Who makes Fuller’s 1845?
Fuller’s 1845 is brewed by Fuller’s (owned by Asahi Group Holdings, which bought Fuller’s beer business in 2019).
What kind of beer is Fuller’s 1845?
Fuller’s 1845 is a Strong ale, at 6.3% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Fuller’s 1845?
Fuller’s 1845 has an ABV of 6.3%.
How many calories are in Fuller’s 1845?
Fuller’s 1845 has Around 200 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Fuller’s 1845 gluten free?
No. Like most traditional beers, Fuller’s 1845 is brewed from barley and/or wheat, both of which contain gluten.
How can I make Fuller’s 1845 taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
Where is Fuller’s 1845 made?
Fuller’s 1845 is brewed by Fuller’s in London, England. For more from that country, see our best England beers guide.
How do I open Fuller’s 1845 without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Fuller’s 1845?
Cool, in a goblet. See our beer glassware guide if you want to match the glass to the style exactly.
