There are beers, and then there are beers that make you pause before opening them. Fuller’s 180th Anniversary Porter, part of their 2025 Collector’s Edition, is exactly that kind of beer. Beautifully presented in a whisky-style box, bottle-conditioned, and boasting a best-before date of 2031, this porter is a celebration of heritage, craft, and, frankly, patience.
Fuller’s Brewery known to The Cask Connoisseur as we had the pleasure of sampling ESB back in February 2025. We were lucky enough to receive all three beers from this limited release, and this was the first one we cracked open. At 7% ABV, it’s the “lightest” in the collection — but make no mistake, it’s far from sessionable. Rich, warming, and layered with flavour, this porter is very much a beer to sip and savour.
Packaging & Presentation
Fuller’s has gone the extra mile with this release. The collector’s box immediately gives you whisky vibes and suggests that this beer suits contemplation rather than casual drinking. Every bottle clearly reminds you that it is bottle-conditioned, so pour it carefully to enjoy the full depth of flavour.
It’s a thoughtful touch that even the expiry date — 2031 — encourages you to consider cellaring, letting the beer develop over the years while you savour its evolving character.
Tasting Notes
From the first pour, you can see the care that’s gone into crafting this porter. It has a deep reddish tinge — darker than your average beer, but lighter than a stout.
Aroma: Dark fruits, malt, raisins, and sultanas.
Palate: Layers of chocolate richness, burnt sugar, and a hint of liquorice, balanced by a touch of bitterness.
Mouthfeel: Creamy, warming, and satisfying — a beer that feels like it’s made for winter fireside moments.
Even reading the tasting notes on the box, you’ll find that what Fuller’s promises is what you get: a robust, complex porter with depth and character.
Why This Porter Stands Out
- Collector’s Edition: Limited release with premium packaging.
- Bottle-Conditioned: Adds complexity and longevity.
- Winter Perfect: Rich, warming, and full of flavour — ideal for the colder months.
- Drink Now or Later: Best-before 2031 means it’s a beer you could enjoy over the next five Christmases.
If you’re a fan of porters, dark beers, or just want something special for winter evenings, this is a beer worth trying. And, honestly, even Santa might swap his whisky for it!
Final Thoughts
Fuller’s 180th Anniversary Porter is a rare combination of tradition, flavour, and presentation. Savour this beer in moderation, and every sip reminds you why Fuller’s has crafted exceptional beers for 180 years.
Whether you choose to enjoy it now by the fire or stash a few bottles for later, it’s a collector’s edition that lives up to the hype — and then some.
Watch Our Full Review
For our full tasting experience, including first impressions, pouring tips, and a detailed flavour breakdown, check out our YouTube review: Watch Here
