Fuller's Imperial Stout 2025 Limited Edition Special Beer Bottle 50 cl 10,7%

The Thames slides past the walls of the Griffin Brewery in Chiswick, and every winter the same old story rises from the brewhouse's dark vessels: a stout once brewed heavy and sweet enough to survive the journey to the Russian imperial court. Fuller's has retold that story every year since 2013 - and the 2025 edition is no exception.

Expert description of Fuller's Imperial Stout 2025 Limited Edition

Fuller's Imperial Stout is the brewery's annual tribute to the classic imperial stout style, which originated in 18th-century England, where especially strong, dark beers were brewed for export to the Russian imperial court. The 2025 edition is part of a limited three-bottle collector's set marking Fuller's 180th anniversary, alongside a 180th Anniversary Porter and a Vintage Ale 2025. The beer is bottle conditioned, meaning a live secondary fermentation continues in the bottle, so it can be enjoyed now or laid down to mature for years.

The recipe follows tradition, with Sovereign and Centennial hops lending a floral edge while dried rose buds are added during conditioning. This gives a characteristic sweetness reminiscent of Turkish delight, layered over the classic roasted malt backbone. Fuller's is brewed at the Griffin Brewery, where a brewhouse has stood since the 1600s, and the site has belonged to Fuller, Smith & Turner since 1845.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Deep and dark with bitter chocolate, cocoa powder and creamy malt. The rose buds peek through alongside a hint of Turkish delight, dark fruit and marshmallow-like foam.

Taste

Creamy and full-bodied with round malt, dark chocolate and a sweetness of roasted coffee and liquorice. Rose petals and dark fruit balance against a peppery hop bitterness underneath.

Finish

Long and lightly bitter, with lingering notes of roasted grain, dark chocolate and a final touch of flowers.

Specifications

Name: Fuller's Imperial Stout 2025 Limited Edition
Brewery: Fuller's
Region/Country: Chiswick, London, England
Style: Imperial Stout
ABV: 10.7%
Size: 50 CL
Edition: 2025 Limited Edition
Serving Suggestion: Best enjoyed at 12-14°C in a wide brandy or stout glass, ideally with dark chocolate, blue cheese or a rich Christmas dessert

Flavour Profile

Roasted · Chocolate · Rose petal · Fruity · Full-bodied · Spiced

Did You Know?

The Griffin Brewery in Chiswick is home to Britain's oldest wisteria plant, planted all the way back in 1816 - it still climbs the brewhouse walls to this day.

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Questions and Answers about Fuller's Imperial Stout 2025

What does Fuller's Imperial Stout 2025 taste like?

It tastes of dark chocolate, roasted malt and a sweetness of rose petals reminiscent of Turkish delight. It is a strong, full-bodied stout with a lightly bitter, peppery finish from the hops.

Is Fuller's Imperial Stout worth it?

Yes, it sits at the pricier end for beer, but that reflects the long brewing process, bottle conditioning and the fact that it is only produced in a limited run each year. It is a beer bought for its complexity and history, not everyday drinking.

How long can Fuller's Imperial Stout be cellared?

It is bottle conditioned and can develop for up to 10 years when stored correctly. Keep it dark and cool, ideally standing up, so the sediment doesn't stir too much.

Is Fuller's Imperial Stout 2025 a good gift idea?

Yes, it comes in an attractive gift box and suits any beer or whisky lover who wants something a little different from the classic bottle of wine.

Should Fuller's Imperial Stout be served cold or at room temperature?

Serve it at 12-14°C, slightly cooler than room temperature but warmer than fridge temperature. Too cold and it shuts down the dark chocolate and rose notes.

What glass should it be served in?

A wide, rounded glass - ideally a brandy snifter or a dedicated stout glass - giving room to nose the aromas before the first sip.

What food pairs well with Fuller's Imperial Stout?

Dark chocolate, blue cheese or a rich Christmas dessert with caramel and nuts. It can easily stand alone as a digestif after the meal.

Why does it taste of rose petals?

Fuller's adds dried rose buds during the beer's conditioning. Combined with the floral character of Centennial hops, this creates a sweetness reminiscent of Turkish delight.

What is the difference between an imperial stout and a regular stout?

An imperial stout typically has a markedly higher alcohol content and a more concentrated malt character. The style originated in 18th-century England, where strong, dark beers were brewed robust enough to survive the long voyage to the Russian imperial court.

Where is Fuller's Imperial Stout brewed?

At the Griffin Brewery in Chiswick, west London, where a brewhouse has stood since the 1600s. Fuller, Smith & Turner has run the site since 1845.

Is Fuller's Imperial Stout an annual release?

Yes, Fuller's has re-released the Imperial Stout every year since 2013. The 2025 edition is part of an anniversary set marking the brewery's 180 years, alongside a Vintage Ale and a 180th Anniversary Porter.