The Masham-based brewer is working with Iron Horse Beverages, a newly appointed importer and wholesaler of beverages from across the world based in Melville New York, to reintroduce Old Peculier to the US market with a view to expanding its footprint in the coming years.
Old Peculier 5.6% ABV has a long history and strong following within the US, having first been shipped to the country in 1976. In fact, the iconic ale was once the third most imported British beer, with the brewery shipping around 40 pallets of beer to the United States every month.
New York state is first beneficiary
Although it is available in cask in the UK, North Yorkshire-located Theakston has restarted exports of Old Peculier in kegs, 440ml cans and bottles, with the first consignment shipped to New York state and distributed throughout the Eastern Seaboard this month (November).
Simon Theakston, joint managing director of T&R Theakston, said: “Theakston Old Peculier has always had a strong connection with the States and we are very pleased to be regaining our foothold on the US imported beer market.
“In 2013, we took the decision to stop our wholesale export to the United States because, despite there being a thirst for the product from consumers, the massive initial growth in foreign imported beers and the domestic craft scene made it harder to justify.
“With the market now settling down and the tried and tested imported beers brands coming once again to the fore, now is exactly the right time to return to a much admired and very enthusiastic consumer market once again.”
Loyal fans
He continued: “We are looking forward to reconnecting with loyal Old Peculier fans throughout the US. Looking ahead, we hope the reintroduction of perhaps our most iconic beer will be the first step in making more of our classic Theakston beers available across the pond.”
Cliff Morello, CEO at Iron Horse Beverages added: “Interest in British beers is high, with many consumers now discovering them as a result of the growth in demand for craft beer. Therefore, it’s an exciting opportunity for us to be able to bring perhaps what could be described as the original craft beer, a strong British ale such as Old Peculier, to the US and share both the product and the history of T&R Theakston with the American audience.”
Theakston said Old Peculier is brewed using a blend of pale, crystal and roasted barley with two bitter hops, combined with the Majestic and Fuggle hop to give a full-bodied flavour with subtle cherry and rich fruit overtones.
