Theakstons

[Richard English]

It was announced today that Scottish and Newcastle have sold Theakstons back to the Theakston family.

Maybe, just maybe, the brew will once again be the world-beating drink it once was.

So far as I know this is the first time ever that a mega-brewer has ever sold a brand back; usually thay just kill them of.

[Fast_Eddy]

Didn't something similar to this happen with Worthington's?

Actually come to think of it - Richard what is your opinion of Worthington's White(there's blue, too, right?) Shield? I've heard good things about it but I've also heard that the brewer considers it to be too delicate to survive the trans-Atlantic journey and, therefore, it's not exported to the US.

[Richard English]

Worthington White Shield is an excellent bottle-conditioned light ale. At one time it was one of the few BCAs available in the UK. Sadly it is rarely seen these days.

[Theakston]

Great News!!

What does this mean for Black Sheep Brewery though (run by one of the Theakstons after the original brewery was sold)
Will Black Sheep and Theakstons become one?

I hope I'll still be able to get my Riggwelter (just started showing up in the USA recently).

[Richard English]

The report implied that Black Sheep would continue as before. It is, after all, run by a separate branch of the family.

Sibling rivalry not withstanding it is good news for the world of fine beers.

[Jeff]

I hate say this but I just recently tried a Theakston's Old Peculiar, and thought it was one of the better beers I had ever had. I did take notice that it was a subsidiary of New Castle. But I figured if I liked the taste then I couldn't complain.

I guess this is a dumb question, but was Old Peculiar even better when it was privately owned?

[Richard English]

Quote "...was Old Peculiar even better when it was privately owned?..."

Most old-time OP drinkers would say so, I suspect.

Having said which it isn't a bad beer, even now. Theakstons ordinary bitter, though, is rather a thin and indistinguished drink.

Incidentally, I read on the OBB database that A-B had stopped selling Bud Ice in the UK. If that's true then there really is a Santa Claus! I'll have to take a look the next time I'm stocking up on Fuller's 1845.

[Theakston]

Originally posted by Richard English
Quote "...was Old Peculiar even better when it was privately owned?..."

Most old-time OP drinkers would say so, I suspect.

.

I guess I qualify as an Old-time OP drinker. And I agree it was better before S&N bought them but OP faired better than the rest of the range as it was the only beer that continued to be made in the original brewery at Masham.

Having said that, it is always so much better on draft than in the bottle (cask conditioned from a hand pump of course).

There's nothing quite like it after a walk on the Yorkshire moors to wander into a fine old stone-flagged pub, sit yourself down in front of a roaring fire with a border collie or two at your feet and hoist a pint of OP.

Ahhhhhhhhh.......
(How much is air fare this time of year?)

[chazwicke]

I agree OP was a fine beer. We used to get it in Washington DC in the small black cans back in the 70s. They had to tape over part of the label so it would pass label approval under the old laws. I also agree it was much better on draught in Britian. I am very happy to hear this news. I hope to welcome back a nice beer.

[Bitter Dew]

Just a comment on the one Theakston's I've had, it was their Mild. I have to admit it was the first Mild I'd tried and I thought it was excellent. I havn't yet tried their Old Peculiar yet, but I can get it locally and will pick some up.