Old Peculier is Yorkshire's favourite

March 4, 2007: Theakstons Old Peculier has been named champion beer of Yorkshire at the Rotherham Oakwood Real Ale Festival.

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	l Yorkshire's finest: Old Peculier

The CAMRA-backed real ale and music festival is an annual charitable fund-raising event in support of Rotherham children, and is one of the region’s biggest events, attracting over 10,000 visitors.

Theakstons triumphed over stiff competition from 130 beers to claim the top prize. The judging panel comprised Yorkshire CAMRA members and invited guests, all led by a CAMRA- trained taster, in a blind taste test.

Born, bred and brewed in Masham, Old Peculier (5.6%) is famous for its rich, dark and complex character.

Simon Theakston, executive director of Theakstons, said: “It is a real honour to be recognised as champion beer of Yorkshire — we’re all absolutely delighted.

"Old Peculier has stood the test of time and it is wonderful that the true quality of taste, aroma and presentation has been acknowledged by dedicated consumers of traditional ale.

"I have often said that the best beers in the country come from Yorkshire, and so to come out on top makes the win even more pleasing.”

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l Simon Theakston

"Theakstons is a family business and we are very passionate about what we do — brewing is in the blood and quality and consistency are everything to us.

"I am so proud of our brewing team and we will be celebrating the win with a pint or two of our legendary brew!”

Event organiser Jim Charters commented: “This is a fantastic accolade for Old Peculier as it effectively marks it as the best of the best when it comes to Yorkshire beers.

All beers are put through a rigorous process covering aroma, taste, aftertaste and appearance, and Theakstons triumphed on all accounts.”

CAMRA holds over 150 beer festivals each year, where at each one Beer of the Festival competitions are held, each winner is then included in the Champion Beer of Britain at the annual Great British Beer Festival.