Really Old Old Speckled Hen

Photo courtesy of Geoff Ma

I ran across this photo of an original bottle of Old Speckled Hen ale that dates back to 1979 - the year that the brew was put in production to celebrate 50 years of building MGs in Abingdon. In their typically clumsy manner, as the celebrations in Abingdon were winding down, British Leyland callously announced the closure of the factory and the end of MG production. 


Old Speckled Hen (or OSH to its fans) was intended to be a limited time offering but the demand for good British ales meant that it stayed in production. I am a fan of Old Speckled Hen, by reason of owning an MG and because it is an enjoyable drink. We can find it along the Gulf Coast in better markets and I heartily recommend that you give it a try.