Old Peculier Review

Theakston Old Peculier Review

A legendary English strong ale that has earned its reputation the slow, traditional way.

500ml bottle. 5.6 percent ABV.
Reviewed on 3rd February 2024.

When I say that Old Peculier is a legendary beer, I’m not over-selling it in the slightest. This is a classic English strong ale that I first encountered back in the late eighties, in Preston of all places. Back then, it felt thick, rich, and unapologetically malty, the sort of beer that demanded to be savoured rather than rushed.

What’s remarkable is how little it has really changed over the years. Old Peculier remains one of my genuine go-to beers, and I nearly always have a couple of bottles tucked away in my ale house at home. It’s familiar, comforting, and dependable in a way very few beers manage to be.

Brewed by Theakston in Masham, North Yorkshire, Old Peculier takes its name from the region’s unique ecclesiastical history. It’s a beer that wears its heritage proudly, and it’s worth remembering that it has been brewed under this name since the early nineteenth century. Few beers can claim that kind of continuity.

 

The bottle

The bottle itself sets the tone before you’ve even opened it. While the design has been refreshed and modernised over the years, it still feels like it could have existed in the 1800s. The fonts, colours, and imagery all suggest age, tradition, and confidence.

There’s something reassuring about it. You get the sense that you’re in safe hands here, and that this is going to be a pleasant experience rather than a gimmick.

I poured mine into a straight-sided pint glass. It felt like the right thing to do. This beer deserves a bit of respect.

 

Appearance

Old Peculier pours a deep ruby red, edging towards mahogany in the glass. It’s a beautiful colour, rich and inviting, topped with a creamy beige head that lingers far longer than you might expect.

That colour alone tells you what’s coming. This is a beer with weight, depth, and intent. You know straight away that you’re not dealing with something light or fleeting.

 

Aroma

This is one of those beers that rewards you before the first sip. As you pour, there’s an immediate burst of aroma. Roasted malt comes through first, like freshly baked bread crust, followed by dark fruit notes that lean towards plum or cherry.

There’s a gentle toffee sweetness underneath, and just enough earthiness to remind you that English hops are waiting quietly in the background. It’s rich, layered, and unmistakably traditional.

At this point, overthinking becomes pointless. It’s time to taste it.

 

Taste

The first sip is surprisingly smooth, helped along by a creamy mouthfeel that makes the beer feel indulgent without being heavy. The malt takes centre stage immediately, delivering roasted coffee and toasty flavours, with hints of dark chocolate following closely behind.

As the beer warms, more complexity begins to emerge. Dark fruit notes start to show themselves, along with a mild toffee sweetness that never becomes overpowering. The finish is dry, gently bitter, and slightly warming, exactly what you want from a beer of this strength.

Right at the back end, I start to pick up subtle floral and herbal notes from the hops, which help to round everything off and stop the beer feeling too one-dimensional.

 

Overall impression

Old Peculier is a complex and deeply satisfying beer. Over the years, I’ve sometimes picked up hints of liquorice or dark treacle, and this bottle is no exception. I’ll admit I’ve had a bit of a love-hate relationship with it in the past, although it’s always leaned far more towards love.

Today, I’m firmly in the loving it camp.

This isn’t a beer for the faint-hearted. The malt character is bold and unapologetic. But despite that, its smoothness and gentle fruitiness make it far more approachable than you might expect. It’s a beer that rewards slow drinking and a bit of attention.

 

The verdict

A very solid 8/10 from me

Old Peculier is best enjoyed slowly, taking time to appreciate its layers of flavour and the history it carries with it. It’s a beer that feels rooted in place and tradition, and it wears that identity proudly.

Whether you’re a long-time beer drinker or just starting to explore traditional British ales, Old Peculier is absolutely worth your time. It’s distinctive, flavourful, and still very much relevant.

Like its name suggests, it is a little peculiar. And that’s exactly why it works.