INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM FOR BRITAIN’S OLDEST BREWER

Shepherd Neame’s beers are officially world class.

Britain’s oldest brewer picked up eight medals at the 2020 International Beer Challenge (IBC), a global competition that this year attracted entries from more than 40 countries.

Winners were announced on Wednesday (November 10) and Shepherd Neame was honoured in four different categories.

In the flavoured beer category, a silver medal was awarded to New Dawn Citrus IPA, and in the stout/porter category Double Stout achieved a bronze medal.

In the lagers category, Bear Island Triple Hopped Lager was awarded bronze, with Whitstable Bay Blonde Lager receiving a silver medal.

In the individual product category, Bear Island East Coast Pale Ale was awarded a bronze medal.

In the ales category, Shepherd Neame placed on all three levels, with its India Pale Ale picking up a bronze medal, Bishops Finger receiving silver, and its bottle conditioned ale 1698 winning gold in the ales category. This 6.5% ale was shortlisted against other category winners for the title of overall champion, but didn’t secure the trophy.

Among the judges was IBC Chairman and author Jeff Evans, widely recognised as one of the foremost authorities on bottled beer.  He said: “As you'd expect from judges with this level of knowledge and experience, the scrutiny is intense. No beer gets an easy pass. Sometimes the decision is straightforward and quickly reached; at other times the debate is more intense as judges highlight technical flaws or sing the praises of a beer's quality and character.”

Mike Unsworth, Shepherd Neame Head Brewer, said: “We are delighted to have been recognised with a selection of medals including gold at these prestigious awards, demonstrating our beers are amongst the finest in the world. Our team is passionate about beer, and committed quality and innovation. After a challenging year, it is particularly special to have our work appreciated in this way.”