With fewer than 30,000 pubs remaining after a wave of closures in 2023, many communities—particularly in rural areas—have lost vital social hubs where locals can gather, enjoy a drink, and connect with friends old and new. Compounding the crisis, around 80 breweries shut their doors in 2024, leading to job losses and a diminished selection for beer enthusiasts.
These challenges underscore the importance of supporting local pubs and breweries by enjoying their offerings responsibly and in moderation. One such success story is Theakston Brewery, founded in 1827 in the Yorkshire Dales market town of Masham. Renowned for its Old Peculier strong ale, the brewery has recently introduced a new IPA bearing the same iconic name.
Contrary to appearances, “Peculier” is not a misspelling. Derived from an old Norman French word meaning “particular,” it references the historic Peculier Court of Masham, established centuries ago when the Bishop of York delegated local church authority to avoid the perilous journey to the region. The Theakston family, upon founding their brewery, adopted the term for their distinctive strong ale, which is still brewed and fermented in wood and served from oak casks in select pubs.
Old Peculier gained cult status in the United States after being featured in an episode of the crime series NCIS. In the show, a police commander serves the beer to her team, praising its heritage: “This is Theakston ale, all the way from England, where they’ve been brewing beer like this since Charles Dickens’s time.” The mention sparked such demand that an Old Peculier Appreciation Society was established in San Francisco.
The beer’s popularity has also boosted Theakston’s annual Old Peculier Crime Writers’ Festival in Harrogate, attracting literary heavyweights like Val McDermid, Ian Rankin, Lee Child, and John Grisham. Grisham, a self-proclaimed fan of the ale, has even quipped that he “could kill for a pint.”
Today, the brewery is run by four brothers—Simon, Edward, Nick, and Tim Theakston—who have expanded their offerings to include Peculier IPA. This English-style IPA showcases homegrown hop varieties such as Harlequin, Jester, and Olicana, reflecting a resurgence in the British hop industry. A decade ago, English hops were in decline, with brewers favoring imported varieties from the U.S. and New Zealand for their fruity, citrus profiles. However, local hop farmers have since developed new strains with more restrained citrus notes, revitalizing the industry.
Peculier IPA boasts a pale bronze hue, with aromas of juicy malt and fruity hops. Its flavor profile is a harmonious blend of honeyed malt and fruity hops, culminating in a bittersweet finish that balances biscuit malt and spicy hops. Priced at £2.50 at Morrisons, it’s a standout addition to the IPA scene and a testament to the innovation and resilience of British brewing.
By choosing to enjoy beers like Peculier IPA, we can celebrate and sustain the rich tradition of British brewing while supporting the pubs and breweries that are the lifeblood of our communities.
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