February 15, 2003 -- We receive a lot of press releases here at World of Beer Central, and quite frankly, most of them rate little more than a quick glance through. But a recent missive from the U.S. beer importer Phoenix Imports Ltd. really caught our attention for what it was touting: The return of Thomas Hardy's Ale!

Long a staple among the small and dedicated audience of beer aficionados who cellar their beers, Hardy's was discontinued by the original British brewer, Eldridge Pope, in 1999. We mourned its loss, as did Phoenix, the company that first brought it to the United States in 1986.

But while there was little we could do about the matter, there was something Phoenix could do. And they did it, reaching agreement with Eldridge Pope last September to buy the brand, along with its stable mates Royal Oak Pale Ale and Thomas Hardy Country Bitter. Now Phoenix owner George Saxon has taken the next step, contracting O'Hanlon's Brewing Company of Devon, England, to begin brewing the great ale once again. Brewing trials are underway, says the release, and the first Thomas Hardy's Ale of the 21st century is expected to reach American shores in August of this year.

Along with legions of Hardy's fans, World of Beer congratulates Saxon, Phoenix and O'Hanlon's on the resurrection of this legendary ale. We look forward to sampling the fruits of your labours later this year, and again in a decade or so.

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