St Austell and Fuller’s Collaborate on Golden Times Pale Ale

Twenty-five years ago, a young brewer was learning her trade at Fuller’s in London. This week, her beer is pouring across more than 80 of its pubs.

Georgina Young, now brewing director at St Austell Brewery, has reunited with Fuller’s to create a limited-edition beer for its pub estate. Golden Times is a 4% ABV pale ale, and for Georgina it carries a fair bit of personal history.

A return to where it started

Georgina began her career at Fuller’s in 1999, when it was London’s oldest family brewer. She worked her way up from shift brewer to brewing manager, then came back in 2013 as brewing and packaging manager. In 2017 she was appointed the company’s first female head brewer. After more than two decades there, she joined St Austell Brewery in 2019.

The connection clearly stuck. “I still have many friends at Fuller’s, so it’s a real delight to have been invited to brew a beer for its pub estate. I hope this is the first of many special collaborations for us,” she said.

She added: “I have a huge fondness and real affection for the company that took a chance on me as a young woman entering the industry. Golden Times is, in many ways, a tribute to that journey and to the people and experiences that shaped it.”

The name does double duty. “It’s a play on the golden era of brewing at Fuller’s. It’s a nod to the rich heritage both breweries share, while also raising a glass to what lies ahead,” Georgina explained.

What’s in the glass

Golden Times is a well-balanced golden ale with floral aromas, bright citrus notes and subtle hints of stone fruit, sitting on a smooth malty base. It uses a trio of English hops, Target, Olicana and Harlequin, alongside Cornish malt. The aim was something easy-drinking but full of flavour.

The beer celebrates what the two breweries describe as a shared brewing heritage, enduring friendships and a mutual passion for cask ale.

Where to find it

Golden Times started pouring in over 80 Fuller’s pubs from 11th June. It will also be available in select St Austell Brewery managed pubs across the South West, while stocks last.