Let's Brew - 1887 Fullers AK

The first ever AK brewing record I came across was from Fullers. How excited I was that day. Since then, I’ve come across a stack more. But your first is always the most memorable.

I was quite surprised to discover that Fullers had brewed an AK. And even more surprised how long in lasted. Surviving up until 1941, when it was killed off by the falling gravities of WW II.

There’s nothing particularly special about the recipe. It’s pretty typical of the style – under 5% ABV, pale, fresh and with a very simple recipe. Base malt and sugar. As often with 19th-century recipes, the brewing record isn’t very specific about the precise type of sugar. “Sacc.” Is as specific as it gets.

Two types of hops, both English and both from the 1886 crop. One East Kent, the other illegible.

1887 Fullers AK
pale malt	8.50 lb	80.95%
No. 2 invert sugar	2.00 lb	19.05%
Fuggles 90 mins	1.00 oz
Fuggles 60 mins	1.00 oz
Goldings 30 mins	1.00 oz
Goldings dry hops	0.50 oz
OG	1049.5
FG	1014
ABV	4.70
Apparent attenuation	71.72%
IBU	39
SRM	9
Mash at	150º F
Sparge at	160º F
Boil time	90 minutes
pitching temp	58º F
Yeast	WLP002 English Ale