A rich, ruby-coloured Kent classic
First brewed in 1958, Bishops Finger was the first strong ale created by Shepherd Neame after 20 years of malt rationing came to an end.
The beer was named after an ancient Kentish signpost found on the Pilgrim’s Way pointing to Canterbury and the shrine of Thomas à Becket in the city’s world-famous Cathedral.
A rich and fruity ruby ale, it has won numerous awards, including World’s Best Bitter in the 2024 World Beer Awards, and also holds EU Protected Geographical Indication, recognising its unique provenance as a Kentish Strong Ale. Uniquely, it is brewed to a charter which states it can only be brewed by the head brewer on a Friday and must use 100% natural ingredients - Kentish hops and barley - and the brewery's own artesian mineral water.
CYCLOPS rating
Bitter
Sweet
Information
ABV
Bottle 5.2%
Draught 4.6%
Units
Bottle 500ml
2.6UK Units
Can Not available
Draught Pint (568ml)
2.9UK Units
TASTING NOTES
Fashioned on a firm, fruity foundation of Crystal malt, this rich, ruby-coloured Kent classic belies its burly appearance with a complexity of flavour. Mouth-filling fruit, prunes, plums and dried apricot spiked with palate-prickling pepper, cinnamon and a soft bitter blood-orange finish.
Our Beers
The iconic hop gardens of Kent surround our Faversham Brewery, inspiring our brewers to create award-winning, distinctive beer.
If you're looking for cask, keg or bottled ales, whether using traditional or perhaps more unusual ingredients, we have something that will intrigue and delight in equal measure.
