In a message dated 21/09/2007 12:50:59 GMT Daylight Time, [email protected] writes: Hi Geoff, I don't understand his objection to you referring to Hexamshire as a Peculiar. Stan: I once did hear it referred to as "a most peculiar Peculiar"! Incidentally the academic concerned was female, not male. Just to further muddy the waters, you may well be familiar with the pleasant, but fiercely strong, ale "Old Peculiar". As you may know, it is brewed at Theakstone's brewery in Masham in North Yorkshire. The design on the pumps, bottles etc, is based on that of "The Seal of the Official of Masham", he being the person in charge of that Peculiar. Geoff