Theakston

Why it matters

Old Peculier is the reference example of English old ale, and the brewery’s retained cooperage is a genuine survival of a nearly-extinct trade.

Details

Reference beers

• Theakston Old Peculier5.6–5.7% ABV

  The reference English old ale — dark, rich, faintly liquorice-tinged — and named for an ecclesiastical peculiar rather than for being odd.

BeerHQ carries only the products that anchor something. This is not the brewery’s full range.

Styles it is associated with

• Old ale — A matured English strong ale with dried fruit, treacle and often a trace of oxidative or wild character from age.
• Best bitter — A step up from ordinary bitter in strength and depth, with more malt body while staying firmly sessionable.

Traditions

• British cask ale — Beer that completes its fermentation in the container it is served from and is dispensed without added gas, at cellar rather than fridge temperature.