This is the inaugural vintage brewed in Dorchester, England to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the bard\'s death (1840-1928). First produced in 1968, Thomas Hardy’s Ale is barley wine produced just once a year, with annual vintages in limited quantities. It quickly became an icon among beer and took on legendary status due to its sudden disappearance. The quality of the product combined with its exclusivity was an explosive mix. The individual years soon became the object of vertical tastings, like those held for important Langhe or Bordeaux wines and prices went sky high. However, producing Thomas Hardy’s was very expensive and making it meant sacrificing time and means for beer intentionally produced in limited quantities. In 1999 Eldridge Pope ceased production and, for the first time, causing a hiatus in production that was only resumed in 2003. It is shipped in a silk lined wooden presentation box with four wine accessories (corkscrew, wine pourer, drip stopper & wine thermometer) [worth £17.99] at no extra cost and now includes a free gift card with your personal message and tasting and storage notes.