Theakston Old Peculier

Where: Masham, England
Type: Old Ale
ABV: 5.6%
Available: Year-round
Website: theakstons.co.uk

Samuel Merritt Says: "One of the first beer bars in the country, the Old Peculiar Pub in New York is named after this beer and is one of the first places I sold beer to in the 1990s. First brewed to use for blending stock ales, the Old Peculier is somewhat strong and has sherry-like tones, as well as toffee and chocolate. It's bitter, but doesn't have the big, fresh hoppy/citrusy aromatics you'd find in an American pale ale. The English ale yeast provides plenty of fruity secondary flavors that go great with English cheddar cheese."