A new brew of Thomas Hardy’s Ale, the famous and much loved barley wine, is arriving in bars and on shelves this week.
It’s coming home to the British market following an agreement between Interbrau Spa and James Clay and Sons, the new official distributor of the beer in the UK.
In 1968, the 40th anniversary of the death of the famous British writer and poet Thomas Hardy, some prominent members of Dorchester society founded a cultural association, the Thomas Hardy Society, to promote his works.
Among these was the Pope family, owners of the Eldridge Pope brewery, who decided to celebrate the event by giving life to the historical Strong Ale described by the author in his novel The Trumpet Major:
“It was of the most beautiful colour that the eye of an artist in beer could desire; full in body, yet brisk as a volcano; piquant, yet without a twang; luminous as an autumn sunset; free from streakiness of taste; but, finally, rather heady. The masses worshipped it, the minor gentry loved it more than wine…”
Packaged in numbered and vintage-dated bottles, given the predisposition of barley wine to age in the cellar for decades, the 1968 Thomas Hardy’s Ale was meant to be a “one-shot”. But, as we all know, the story went differently.
Annual production began in 1974, filling cellars of enthusiasts all over the UK with the now iconic ‘nip’ bottles. This tradition continued right through to 1999 when the Eldridge Pope brewery discontinued Thomas Hardy production due to rising costs, before eventually closing altogether.
A new chapter in the story was written, with American importer George Saxon keeping the brand alive, producing it at O’Hanlon’s Brewery from 2003 until 2008.
Long-time appreciators of the famous beer, the Vecchiato brothers, of Italy’s Interbrau, began their stewardship of the brand in 2012. They dedicated three years of research and investment to revive Thomas Hardy’s Ale, and released their first vintage in 2015. Their commitment to such an important beer in British brewing history has ensured that it will be enjoyed well into the 21st century, and hopefully beyond.
Over half a century later from its first release, the reborn Thomas Hardy’s Ale, produced by the Hepworth Brewery under the guidance of iconic brewmaster Derek Prentice, is finally available on the British market again thanks to the new collaboration between Interbrau and James Clay and Sons.
Thomas Hardy’s Ale vintage 2024 will be available in numbered and vintage-dated 25cl bottles, as well as 10-litre key-kegs, while the Thomas Hardy’s Ale, The Historical, aged with French oak, will be obtainable only in 25cl bottles.
“In an era where our British brewing heritage is being eroded in front of our eyes by multinational corporations, it’s heartwarming to see such a respectful and caring approach from Interbrau,” said James Clay, managing director of James Clay and Sons.
Sandro Vecchiato, managing director of Interbrau, added: “Ever since we first considered acquiring the Thomas Hardy’s Ale brand, we have always been aware that the brand is an important part of the British brewing tradition.
“We have known James Clay and Sons for decades and are confident that they are the ideal partner to ensure not only proper distribution, but also a concrete commitment to spreading and safeguarding the Thomas Hardy’s Ale tradition.”
