E-Malt.com News article: UK: One-off brew created for Kent Beer Festival

Beer lovers at the CAMRA Kent Beer Festival next weekend will be able to sample a unique brew made and named by two of their own members - thanks to Britain's oldest brewer Shepherd Neame, according to Sheperd Neame’s press release, July 16.

Bob Thompson and Linda Clarke from CAMRA's Swale branch teamed up with Shepherd Neame to brew the first ale in the company's new microbrewery, joining brewer Stewart Main this Thursday (12 July) at the Faversham brewery.

The microbrewery is a small scale brewing operation, which will allow Shepherd Neame to brew speciality ales in small quantities for special occasions and events. The speciality brews will then be available for a limited time in local pubs.

The one-off ale, christened Old Faversham Dark by CAMRA, has been brewed to a traditional dark mild recipe using a combination of pale ale, crystal and black malts with East Kent Goldings hops and Shepherd Neame's own ale yeast. The 3.5% beer is a classic dark mild ale with delicate hop flavours and a distinct smoky quality.

Linda Clarke from CAMRA's Swale branch committee said: "It is the first time we've been invited to do something like this and we feel extremely privileged to be involved in creating an ale especially for the festival."

Shepherd Neame brewer Stewart Main said: "We're very excited about the microbrewery as it allows us to test new recipes and flavour combinations. We'll be brewing unique ales for forthcoming events and are hoping to create some real gems."

Old Faversham Dark will be available at the Kent Beer Festival, which runs from 19 -21 July at Merton Farm, Nackington Lane, Canterbury. It will also be available at the following pubs: The Railway Hotel, Faversham; The Anchor, Faversham; The Market Inn, Faversham; The Chimney Boy, Faversham; The Bear, Faversham; The Walnut Tree, East Farleigh; The Rose Inn, Kennington; The British Volunteer, Ashford; The Mermaid, Bishopbourne; The Royal Oak, River, Dover; The Three Horseshoes, Staple Street; The Clarendon, Sandgate; The Old House at Home, Sheerness; The Golden Ball, Kennington; The Plough and Harrow, Bridge; Tudor Rose, Upnor; The Anglesey, Bromley.


18 July, 2007