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Old Peculier Review

500ml Bottle of Theakstons Old Peculier 5.6% ABV

Reviewed: 3rd Feb 2024

When I suggest that Old Peculier is a legendary beer, I'm not over-selling it at all, it is a classic English Strong ale that I first encounted in the late 80's in Preston, back then it was a thick, rich, malty beer that demanded to be savoured ... I have to say that over the years it hasn't really changed and this is one of my 'go to' beers, and I always have a couple of bottles of it in my Ale House.

Old Peculier, brewed by Theakston in Masham, England. Its name pays homage to the region's unique ecclesiastical history, and its taste holds centuries of brewing tradition. So, let's delve into this "peculiar" brew and see if it lives up to its name. It's perhaps worth noting that it's been brewed under this name since the early 1800s!

The bottle:

Old Peculier ReviewWhile the design has been changed and modernised over the years, it still looks like it might have done in the 1800's, beautiful use of fonts, colours and imagery makes it look and feel like a old beer of legendary status. You just know that you are in for a very pleasnat experience with this one.

Let's get it poured out shall we. I've poured it into straight sided pint glass, I think it deserves that much respect.

Appearance: 

It pours a deep ruby red, I might even say that it pours almost mahogany in colour, with a creamy beige head that lingers very nicely indeed. 

This rich colour just lets you know that a very beer is waiting for you.

Aroma: 

It's one of those lovely beers that gives you a great burst of aroma as you are pouring it. The first whiff brings notes of roasted malt, like freshly baked bread crust, mingled with hints of dark fruit, perhaps plum or cherry. A touch of toffee sweetness peeks through, along with a subtle earthy aroma reminiscent of teh great English hops that are obviously waiting for me inside.

So, I'm going to stop thinking about it and go in for my first sip.

Taste:

The initial sip is surprisingly smooth, thanks to the creamy mouthfeel. Then, the malts take centre stage, bursting into my mouth delivering roasted coffee and toasty flavours with a hints of chocolate. As it warms, hints of dark fruit and a mild toffee emerge, but it's not overpowering. The finish is dry and slightly bitter, leaving a lingering warmth. In this backend of the flavour, I start to pick out some floral and herbal notes which round the beer off nicely.

Overall:

Old Peculier is a complex and satisfying beer, I sometimes manage to pick out notes of liquorice, or some dark treacle. I have to admit that over the years I've had a love/hate relationship with this particular beer, more love than hate I hasten to add, today I am loving it.

It's not for the faint of heart, as the malty character is prominent. However, its smoothness and hints of fruitfulness make it surprisingly approachable. This is a beer best enjoyed slowly, savoring the layers of flavour and the rich history it embodies.

Whether you're a seasoned beer aficionado or just starting your craft beer journey, Old Peculier is a unique and flavourful experience worth trying. Just remember, like its name suggests, it's not your average pint. So, grab a glass, sit back, and savor a taste of Yorkshire history.

Score: 8/10

Thanks for reading, enjoy your beers, cheers!

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