Vintage ale 2026 is here!
All of our Vintage Ales are very special bottle conditioned beers. We’ve created a new recipe every year since 1997, picking the best ingredients at the time, to make a strong beer with a complex character.
Find out more about the heritage of our Vintage Ales here.
Jester, Dolcita
Extra Dark Crystal
Vintage Ale 2026 features a blend of modern hop varieties. Jester from the Old World, delivering citrus & stone fruit notes. Dolcita from the New World giving influences of Peach, Berry & Orange.
We always state a best before date, the flavours will continue to develop for many more years. A natural sediment will form, so store upright and pour carefully.
Overall rating: 4.9736843 / 5 from 38 reviews.
Review topics: [delivery, beer, taste, ale, experience, bottle, drink].
"As ever, the annual treat of Vintage Ale does not disappoint. The nose has overtones of liquorice for me. The beer is typically malt forward in Fuller's style, this time with caramel predominant, and an almost mushroom/truffle umami hint. I tend to drink one in the year of production, then wait a few years before trying it again, as they invariably age well. Already a smooth, lovely pint, this promises to be worth the wait!"
"I buy a case every year. I drink one bottle and compare to one of a previous year. Then keep the rest safe to age. Had a bottle of 1999 to compare with the 2025. Not tried this years yet built I know it won’t disappoint"
"I have bought Vintage Ale to enjoy over Christmas since 1998. Many bottles given to friends. From 2007 I have usually put a couple of bottles away. This year will be no different."
"Another excellent edition. Citrus flavours are usual with Vintage Ale but this year they are more prominent and I think it's better for it. It will be interesting to see how the flavours will develop over the coming years."
"Distinctive and has a characteristic taste and mouthfeel. Perhaps a slightly dry taste and not noticeably sweet. Pours clear without any impact on appearance from bottle conditioning."
"Comes in usual box for the vintage. Best before date coming down coming to some past vintages (which have been 10 years out) Really too early to dribk this - it is meant to age. So will open one around Christmas season and see how it stacks up."
"I’ve not tried a bottle yet, I’ve bought 4 to lay down and keep with my previous vintage ales, there should be another to drink inside the Advent Beer Box, which hasn’t arrived yet."
"This is always an excellent brew and the highlight of the year for me. One bottle down and it's a very rich mix of malt and caramel. Will taste alongside 2025 and 2924 for comparison."
"Great service from Fullers as always, speedy delivery and item arrived in good condition, now added to my collection of Fullers vintage ale!"
"Another in the range of the annual brew. Unfortunately I collect them so rarely get to drink them. Last year I found vintage ale on tap and it was spectacular very enjoyable and hoping I find this years brew on tap"
