Ringwood Old Thumper Extra Special Ale is a beer belonging
to two countries. It's first home is merry old England, where it is the
flagship brand for the Ringwood Brewery located in Ringwood, Hampshire,
England. Old Thumper was not content to remain in Ringwood, however. Like
many of the ancestors of the English who today love the beer, Old Thumper
made the journey across the pond to a successful career with the Shipyard
Brewing Company of Portland, Maine.
Ringwood is famous for it's distinctive yeast strain that produces beers
with a notable buttery character. This is a trait common to many English
ales, and is desirable when it does not overpower the beer (and even when it
does, it can produce interesting results at times). Ringwood has also had
its share of breweries over the years, but all brewing in the town ceased in
1923.
In 1978, brewing was resumed in Ringwood by Peter Austin, a man often
referred to in England as the "Father of British Micro-Brewing." A very
unique brewing system that bears his name has appeared across America in
numerous brewpubs and microbreweries. It is easily recognizable by a
wooden-clad mash tun and a brick-encased brew kettle.
Old Thumper was introduced in England in 1979, and first brewed here in
America under contract in 1995. Is it surprising that Shipyard brews Old
Thumper? Hardly. Shipyard's head brewer, Alan Pugsley, is a former employee
of the Ringwood brewery. Shipyard uses Ringwood yeast for all of their
beers. They aggressively hop old Thumper with English Goldings, Challengers,
and Progress varieties. Original gravity is slightly higher than normal at
1.060, as is alcohol content at about 5.5%.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft