Thomas Hardy Ale - The Legend Returns

Thomas Hardy's Ale is coming home: the quintessential Barley Wine will be finally available on the British market again thanks to the agreement between brand owners Italy's Interbrau Spa and James Clay and Sons, seeing us appointed as the official distributor for the United Kingdom. Available to order online now.

In 1968, the 40th anniversary of the death of the famous British writer and poet Thomas Hardy, some prominent members of the Dorchester society founded a cultural association, the Thomas Hardy Society, to promote his works. Among these there was also the Pope family, owner of the Eldridge Pope brewery, who decided to celebrate the event giving life to the historical Strong Ale described by the artist in his novel The Trumpet Major:

Packaged in numbered and vintage-dated bottles, given the predisposition of this Barley Wine to age in the cellar for decades, the 1968 Thomas Hardy's Ale was meant to be a "one shot". But, 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 2003-2008.

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 it’s first release, the reborn Thomas Hardy's Ale, produced by the Hepworth's brewery under the guidance of the iconic brewmaster Derek Prentice, is finally available on the British market again thanks to the new collaboration between the Interbrau and James Clay and Sons.

Thomas Hardy’s Ale vintage 2024 will be available in numbered and vintage dated 25 cl bottles as well as 10 litre key-kegs, while the Thomas Hardy’s Ale “The Historical” aged with French Oak will be attainable only in 25 cl bottles.

There are a series of exclusive casks of the 2024 Vintage, racked to celebrate this momentous return. These will be served on November 14th at: The Rake (Borough Market, London), The Trafalgar (Merton, London), Cafe Beermoth (Manchester), The Free Trade Inn (Newcastle), Small Bar (Bristol), North Bar (Leeds), Whitelocks (Leeds), The Rutland Arms (Sheffield), Brew Tavern (Nottingham), Koelschip Yard (Glasgow), and when it reopens for the season The Anderson (Fortrose).