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Historic North Yorkshire brewery pays tribute to hometown with popular ale

The Theakston brewery in Masham is one of the oldest in the UK that's still in use. <i>(Image: Theakston)</i>
The Theakston brewery in Masham is one of the oldest in the UK that's still in use. (Image: Theakston)

North Yorkshire brewery T&R Theakston has decided to bring back one of its most popular ales after a three-year absence.

“Masham is pivotal to the success of Theakston," says Simon Theakston, joint managing director of Theakston brewery. "It’s been home to our business for almost 200 years and so it’s only right that we continue to celebrate this beautiful corner of God’s Own County by reintroducing this unique beer."

Read more: North Yorkshire: Private pub included in period farmhouse on market

The brewery is a family-owned affair, with descendants of the brewery's founder re-purchasing shares in the company in 2003 after the company was originally sold in 1984.

The brewery's most famous beer, Old Peculiar, has been brewed by the company since its early days in the 1800s. Masham is a town which is steeped in history, with links to William the Conqueror and Henry VIII, it also played home to the Court of the Peculier – from which their most famous beer takes its name.

One of the brewery's key ingredients is water drawn from its own well beneath the brewery filtered down from the Yorkshire Dales.

Masham Ale is the strongest cask ale the historic brewery produces at 6.5% ABV, although it has a surprisingly subtle fruity aftertaste.

"It's been specially brewed to ensure that it pairs perfectly with some local Blue Wensleydale cheese," says Simon.

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“Having not brewed Masham Ale for five years as a result of the pandemic, we’re delighted that it’s returning to pumps not only at the Black Bull in Paradise, our visitor centre, but in pubs across the country.”

Masham Ale is available at the Theakston Visitor Centre, where all of their beers can be sampled, as well as through the brewery's online shop. Tours of the brewery are available, but must be pre-booked.