Old Speckled Hen was first brewed in 1979 and has since become one of Britain's best-selling premium ales - BloombergPubs are facing shortages of Old Speckled Hen just weeks after it was sold to a Spanish beer giant. Old Speckled Hen was first brewed in 1979 by Morland Brewery in Abingdon to mark the 50th anniversary of MG Motor's move to the Oxfordshire town. The Barcelona-based company acquired both Old Speckled Hen and Old Golden Hen, a golden ale, as well as the non-alcoholic alternatives. Old Speckled Hen's sale is the latest in a long line of foreign takeovers of British beers. Estrella Damm said it remained committed to ensuring Old Speckled Hen retains its place in pubs across Britain.