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Shepherd Neame
 scrapes in
 decent
 good
 excellent
 sublime
Shepherd Neame, Bishop's Finger (England) 
Kent Brewery Shepherd Neame has a history they have traced for over 300 years. Bishop's finger (named after a Kenntish signpost) has a lovely nut-brown colour and cream-coloured head that is quite persistent. It has a huge, fruit-compote nose of stewed figs, prune and a really peppery, spicy note. On the palate it has an immensley rich mocha-coffee flavour; a big raft of chocolate and espresso with dark, toasty malt and a firm core of hoppy bitterness that punches through finish. Quite delcious and distinctive stuff. 5.4% ABV, 50cl, �1.75, Asda, Booth's, Majestic, Sainsbury's, Waitrose. |  |
Shepherd Neame, Early Bird Spring Hop Ale (England)
Early Bird is a seasonal ale, available between February and May, and named after the Early Bird variety of Goldings hops. The colour is a light golden/amber, with a moderate off-white head. It has an appealing nose, where light, grassy and nettly hop qualities are supported by a gently toasty malt. There's a hint of spiced orange too, that carries through onto a medium-bodied, fresh palate. There is plenty of dry, bitter-edged hop quality in evidence, with a light, fruity mid-palate and then more of that malty spice in the finish. This struck me as an easy to drink, lightweight beer that is not trying to to be complex. A nice evocation of Spring as intended. 4.5% ABV, 50cl, �1.49, Easywine, Onlyfinebeer, Sainsbury's.  |  |
Shepherd Neame, Spitfire Premium Kentish Ale (England)
The decision to re-make this beer as a non-bottle-conditioned product a few years ago earned it lots of negative comments. It pours a barely-sugar colour with a hint of ruby, topped by an off-white head. The nose displays quite a lot of vanilla and creamy malt notes, spice and a nice suggestion of oily hops. On the palate it is quite thick, but a little foamy and carbonated, with rounded fruit and a well-balanced, toasty, if slightly unexciting, finish. Still a very enjoyable bottle. 4.5% ABV, 50cl, �1.69, Asda, Booth's, Majestic, Sainsbury's, Waitrose. | |
Shepherd Neame, Whitstable Bay Organic Ale (England)
This beer from Shepherd Neame is brewed with organic Gem and Hallertau hops from New Zealand. It has a vivid amber/bronze colour and thinnish just off-white head. The nose is has a nice blend of biscuit aromas with orange and gentle, spicy notes. On the palate it is tangy and light-bodied, with a dry, orange oil and herbal character showing some chicory and leafy bitterness, and and nice juicy grapefruit flavour into a long, balanced finish. 4.5% ABV, 50cl, �1.77, Majestic, Sainsbury's. |  |
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