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30th October 2024

Dark Star Presents: Return of Prize Old Ale

Popular and famed brew makes its return with a limited release in cask and bottle

Dark Star Brewing Co. is proud to announce the return of its legendary Prize Old Ale—a rare gem in the beer world and one of the last remaining examples of its style. It was first brewed in 1923 at Gales Brewery in the village of Horndean, Hampshire and is a beer brand steeped in history and craftsmanship.

The strong, dark ale is a remarkable survivor of a brewing tradition that dates to the Stuart era, when brewers learned how to create beers that could mature over extended periods. Its depth of flavour and rich complexity have made it a coveted drink among beer connoisseurs.

This release will be available in both 9-gallon firkins for pubs and 500ml bottles for retail, via the Dark Star web shop. The beer will officially launch in pubs from 1 November 2024 with bottles available online through Dark Star’s web shop starting the week commencing 18 November 2024. For up-to-date event details and bottle release timings, follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @darkstarbrewco.

Prize Old Ale stands as a testament to traditional brewing methods, The latest brew features It features Maris Otter malt, Fuggle and Golding hops with the very special Gale’s yeast that makes this beer a stand-out addition to any Winter table. The launch of Prize Old Ale will be marked by a series of special events at select pubs across the UK.

  • 1st November – The Admiralty, Trafalgar Square (Opening Night) Join Brand Ambassador, Mike Clack, for a special “Pints and Prints” event from 17:00.
  • 2nd November – The Star, Belgravia Prize Old Ale will be available on tap from 17:00.
  • 3rd November – The Red Lion, Barnes Enjoy the classic brew from 17:00.
  • 4th November – The Harp, Covent Garden vertical tasting led by Mike Clack and Dark Star’s Lead Brewer, Sven, featuring the 2022, 2023, and 2024 vintages. Tickets are free via Eventbrite.
  • 5th November – Duke of Wellington, Shoreham On Sea An exclusive tapping at the pub owned by Dark Star’s founder, Rob Jones.
  • 6th November – The Victoria, Paddington Prize Old Ale taps at 17:00.
  • 7th November – George IV, Chiswick / Old Customs House, Portsmouth / Old Joint Stock House, Birmingham Simultaneous tapping at all three venues from 17:00.
  • 8th November – Ye Old Mitre, London (Closing Night) special “Beers from Wood” event will feature two limited-edition Prize Old Ales aged in wooden barrels, alongside the original Prize Old Ale.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the return of Prize Old Ale, a beer that celebrates craftsmanship, tradition, and timeless quality.

ENDS

For Prize Old Ale samples, further imagery or to book a place at the tastings above please contact:

About Asahi UK  

Asahi UK is a subsidiary of Asahi Europe & International and is responsible for sales, marketing and customer operations across the UK and Ireland. Though the portfolio of Super Premium Beer brands, Asahi UK enriches consumer experiences through innovation, high-quality service and an exceptional portfolio of premium beer, ale and cider brands, which include Peroni Nastro Azzurro (PNA), Asahi Super Dry (ASD, Meantime, Fuller’s London Pride and Cornish Orchards. The Woking based business is focused on developing quality, super premium brands and delivering commercial value in the marketplace, through a strong belief in collaboration, customer excellence and people development.


For Prize Old Ale samples, further imagery or to book a place at the tastings above please contact:

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