86-Year-Old Beer Brewed for Edward VIII’s Canceled Coronation Are Hitting the Auction Block

We’re used to ogling over aged spirits but an 86-year-old beer is a new one for us here. And yet we have to say we’re impressed by the announcement that a batch of beer originally brewed for Edward VIII’s planned January 1936 coronation is heading to auction. Reportedly, the historic “Coronation Ale” was discovered in the cellars of Greene King brewery during renovations in 2011. Greene King, which was founded in 1799, brewed a 12% ABV ale for the 1936 coronation and after it was canceled, the brewery cellared the remaining batch. The beer is brewed with English hops and barley and has been described as having a “rich fruity flavor.” At this point we’re not sure how well the 86-year-old beer has held up but the brewery does offer a 2023 edition of its Coronation Ale. It’s not entirely clear how many bottles of the 1936 Coronation Ale are available, but several cases will be available at auction on May 5. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to The Prince’s Trust, a nonprofit created by King Charles III to support marginalized youth.