Fuller's Golden Pride

When I first started going out as a teen the drink of choice for me (or the way to get drunk in the quickest time possible) was a kidney flask of Lamb's Navy Rum chased down by two cans of Carlsberg Special Brew. I had grown a place in my heart and stomach for the strong barely wines. I have always enjoyed their strength and incredibly syrupy viscosity, the fact that they average around 8% abv isn't of much importance it simply means the beers have to be consumed with utmost diligence. A barley wine is a style of strong dark ale originating in England around the 18^th century. One that seems to come and go from the spotlight but will never fade away.

When it comes to Fuller's Golden Pride, it could naively be considered a slightly more refined version of other barley wines. In my opinion the fact is they are remarkably similar with varying reputations and quality of packaging. If you are used to the strong, full flavoured ales I'd recommend Golden Pride hands down. It is long and luscious with a flavour so deep and rich it is a shame to finish. It has a deep dark caramel hue and a body that's not too far from crude oil. It is a bit more carbonated than other fancy barley wine style beers but holds its own. I like strong beers with bags and bags of flavour as opposed to the weaker milds or standard plain session bitters.

Golden Pride suits my taste buds perfectly, just don't drink on an empty stomach and be very careful when having more than one as the alcoholic effects can creep up on you very unexpectedly.

fullers