Just
got in from a night of dining and drinking great beers with a brewer friend from
New Hampshire and his charming lady friend. I have always maintained that beer
is a great socializer, and it really is when taken in moderation.
Now I'm in the mood for a another great beer, and what better choice than a nightcap of Theakston's Old Peculier? This has been a favorite for a long time, years ago
when I worked in a liquor store I would suggest it to customers and take home a
fair number of six packs myself. Tonight I'm drinking a half liter bottle of the
beer I picked up recently.
On August 29th of 1997 I wrote the following about Old Peculier:
This has always been one of my favorite beers. Theakston's
of Masham, England, is the brewer, and they style it as a Yorkshire Ale.
It's an extremely idiosyncratic, complex brew, and I was pleasantly
surprised recently to see it on store shelves in the big pint-plus bottles,
more than enough to fill a foot-of-ale glass. Deep caramel to brownish in
color with a foamy tan head and a rich, complex nose, Old Peculier promises
much even before you take a sip. It delivers admirably, packed with flavor.
Hints of rum, plum pudding, molasses, chocolate, and raisin all combine to
make this a special brew indeed. Magnificent!
Old Peculier is described by Theakston's as a Yorkshire ale, a sort of sub style
of old ale. The brewery is located in Masham, England, and the beer is very
idiosyncratic; even the spelling of the name is peculiar. It has a dark brown
color with a rich creamy head and a rich, powerful nose that will grab your
attention from across any room. The palate is incredibly complex with powerful
notes of raisin, bittersweet chocolate, dark malt, and molasses. The beer is
smooth and not highly carbonated. The finish is balanced, there's a subtle
bitterness but it's not overpowering.
This is a beer that screams to be served with dessert. The raisin character
lends itself well to an apple-raisin strudel, rice pudding with raisins and
cinnamon, or an Eckles cake. Or just have it as dessert. Either way, a
wonderful beer.
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