I've been dying to know this as well. My understanding is that we don't get every vintage stateside or that, perhaps, it's not a yearly release? If anyone could provide ANY info on this, who distributes it, or if well ever get it, this English ale freak would be tickled.
The "pint" (actually 500ml) bottles of Gale's Prize Old Ale are from Fuller's* and were imported by Distinguished Brands, which is now known as Paulaner HP USA - which has one of the least helpful websites around. They have a "contact us" link, but not much info on their brands (clicking on them takes one to the brewer's site) or their local distributors. There's no mention of Gale's POA on their site, at all, for instance. Obviously, the first place to look would be the local Paulaner and Fullers wholesaler. Two good articles on the Fuller's version can be found at: http://zythophile.wordpress.com/2008/04/15/the-prize-goes-to-fullers/ http://barclayperkins.blogspot.com/2008/10/fullers-griffin-brewery.html * The corked George Gale era bottles were 275ml., and imported by Regal, and later B. United. B. United still lists that version in their "Vintage Collection" - http://www.bunitedint.com/information/brands/description/58/
I see these often, random stores and random vintages, throughout the northeast, not so sure about PA and def. no idea about MO. The last time I bought a few was in NJ at Oak Tree, which had a range of vintages. Mine turned out to be completely oxidized disasters but I would like to give them another shot one day.
The first time I ever had Prize Old Ale I shared it from a 'large-ish' (500/680/750ml?) bottle. That was close to 30 years ago.
Now that I think about it was definitely available in 500ml bottles in the 80s with the green and red labels. This was well before the Fullers take over in 2005. And the only place I know of in the States that carries it (such is my limited knowledge of the American distribution scene) is at 'Half Time' in New York State and on their website Should cost about. $7 a bottle.
Fullers have not brewed another batch to my knowledge. They have retained some of the original with which to inoculate any further batches to ensure the right balance of yeasts is retained. When Fullers bought out Gales the Head Brewer from Gales retired, and with him the job of personally hand corking every bottle.
I still have a couple of bottles in the Cellar including one of 'The Last Drop', it is a truly stunning beer and goes to show there's nothing new in 'sour' beers brewed in the UK.
