Returning Seasonal favourites

Shepherd Neame seasonal favourites return for the autumn with a fresh new look

Independent family brewer Shepherd Neame is getting in the mood for autumn as its popular seasonal cask ales, Late Red and Hop Pocket, return to pubs this month – and they have a refreshing new look too.

The pump clip for Late Red (4.5% ABV) - a favourite among ale-drinkers - has been redesigned with a more modern look and feel. Taking inspiration from the much-loved original, the new design has been reimagined to balance a contemporary feel with the Brewery’s heritage.  

The limited-edition Hop Pocket (4.5% ABV) has also been updated with a bold new design that captures the vibrancy, freshness and seasonal character of a green hop ale.

Late Red, a crimson-copper ale typically available from September to November, blends pale ale malt and gently kilned crystal malt with UK Cascade and Goldings hops, resulting in the perfect balance between rich, dark malt flavours and a citrussy hop finish.

This seasonal ale is triple-hopped to enhance its taste and aroma - twice in the brewhouse with Goldings and Cascade before being dry hopped with Cascade – to produce a complex and full-flavoured beer with hints of toffee, tropical fruit and a peppery finish.

Shepherd Neame is also pleased to announce the return of Hop Pocket, a green hop ale brewed specially to coincide with the Faversham Hop Festival, a two-day celebration of Kent’s hop-picking heritage with live music and family entertainment in the Brewery’s hometown.

Beer is usually brewed with dried hops, but green hop ales are made using fresh green hops which go from bine to beer in a matter of hours. 

Packed with freshly picked Kentish hops from Parsonage Farm in Boughton-Under-Blean, just a few miles from the Brewery, this fragrant golden ale boasts a truly unique flavour.

Head of Brands Rose Davis said: “We are excited to bring back two of our popular seasonal ales. Late Red has been a firm favourite for many years, and we hope customers will enjoy this special ruby ale as autumn approaches.

“We are also blessed to be in the heart of England’s hop county here in Kent, so it’s a fantastic opportunity to make the most of our local farms and produce Hop Pocket, a green ale that goes from garden to brewhouse in less than half a day.

“I am sure that festival-goers will enjoy both of these limited-edition brews at this year’s Hop Festival!”

Both ales are now available in selected Shepherd Neame pubs across Kent, London and the South East. 

The beers will also be available at the Hop Festival, sponsored by Shepherd Neame, which takes places in Faversham on Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6.

To find a Shepherd Neame pub near you, visit: https://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/pubs. Customers are advised to call ahead to confirm availability.