BRITAIN’S OLDEST BREWER IS BEST IN BRITISH CLASS

Shepherd Neame has gained more awards than any other brewer in this year’s national drinks industry awards from the British Bottlers’ Institute. The independent family brewer, based in Faversham, Kent received a record seven accolades for its beers.

Two brands – seasonal brew Christmas Ale (7% ABV) and original Thai beer Singha (5% ABV) – received gold in the taste categories, Ales 6.0-7.4% and Lagers 4.0-5.5% respectively.  

For its design featuring the iconic pub on the beach the Old Neptune, Whitstable Bay Pale Ale was awarded gold in the Packaging (ales) category. Judges praised the blue and silver colour combination on the bottle label. 

Diplomas were awarded for taste to Bear Island East Coast Pale Ale (4.8% ABV), 1698 (6.5% ABV) and India Pale Ale (6.1% ABV), with Bear Island Triple Hopped Lager (4.6% ABV) receiving a silver medal. 

BBI President Ed Binsted said: “We had a larger number of entries from UK brewers in every category this year’s blind tasting competition. Shepherd Neame has done outstandingly well and gained the largest number of awards. This clearly demonstrates that they are outstanding Brewers and very worthy of their awards.”  

Shepherd Neame Director of Brewing Mike Unsworth said: “These awards are a testament to our team’s passion and knowledge, and our commitment to quality. We are delighted to receive such fantastic accolades, showing once again that our beers are outstanding in their categories. Receiving an award for packaging also demonstrates our marketing team’s eye for detail and creativity.”

Ed added: “Shepherd Neame have entered the BBI Competition on many occasions, consistently winning, which in my view shows that they never let their brewing standards drop.”

Shepherd Neame’s award-winning beers are available from its online shop and brewery shop in Faversham. For more information, visit:  www.shepherdneame.co.uk