NZ-inspired limited edition pale ale

Shepherd Neame serves up a taste of the Kiwi isle with its first New Zealand-inspired limited edition pale ale

Independent family brewer Shepherd Neame is hoping drinkers will say ‘Kia Ora’ to its latest limited edition beer – a New Zealand-inspired Pale Ale.

New Zealand Hazy Pale Ale (5.3%) is a cold IPA crafted using Kiwi hops known for their zesty citrus character. It was created at the Faversham Brewery by Apprentice Brewer Tom Smith, who drew inspiration from his travels across New Zealand and his family’s long-standing connection to the country.

Tom created the innovative brew in Shepherd Neame’s Small Batch Brewery. It is a 15 barrel kit designed for experimentation with styles, ingredients and techniques, in contrast to the main brewhouse, which produces 110 brewers’ barrels at a time.

His recipe uses four exclusively Kiwi hops - Kohatu, Motueka, Wakatu and Wai-iti – creating a refreshing, hazy beer with a citrus kick.

Tom said:

“I'm ecstatic that the beer is coming out. It has been such a whirlwind experience from joining the company about five months ago to now creating my own beer! I'm just so thankful for the opportunity and for everyone who has supported me. I just really hope everyone likes this beer as much as I do.”

The beer is also a nod to his family’s connection with New Zealand, and the trip there a few years ago which sparked his interest in brewing.

He added:

“New Zealand means a lot to my family, and to me. My late grandparents moved out to New Zealand with my dad and my two uncles when they were young for 12 years and my dad has very fond memories from his childhood. So when my partner and I went travelling, it was a place I had to visit to experience for myself.”

Tom recently entered the beer under the name Zest of Aotearoa – Aotearoa is the Māori name for New Zealand – into the UnTapped Brewing Apprentice competition with HIT Training, where he was named a finalist.

Although it didn’t win, judges were impressed enough to ask him to brew it again for the Beer X trade event show in Liverpool in March 2026.

New Zealand Hazy Pale Ale (5.3%) is now available in selected Shepherd Neame pubs and hotels for a limited time. Customers are advised to call ahead to check availability.