Shepherd Neame blends tradition and innovation with launch of first gluten free beer

Independent family brewer Shepherd Neame has broken new ground in its 300-year history with the launch of limited edition Gluten Free Pilsner – its first gluten-free beer.

The latest innovation from Shepherd Neame’s Small Batch Brewery, it was the result of a challenge handed down in the summer to brewing intern Isaac Wright: to create a gluten-free lager that stays true to the style of a traditional pilsner.

Isaac then worked with the team at the Faversham Brewery to create the beer, developing techniques to remove the gluten without stripping away its character.

The finished result is a brilliant, bright golden lager. Crisp and refreshing, it boasts a refined, floral aroma, combining the classic spicy, herbal notes of Czech Saaz hops with a more earthy flavour from Kentish Challenger hops grown near the Faversham Brewery.

Brewing Manager Rupert Hodgkins said: “Isaac developed a recipe that respects the soul of a true pilsner, using a series of novel techniques to cleverly engineer the gluten out of the final pint.

“This is a considered tribute to the classic Czech style - it’s a beer that understands its heritage. And it's a testament to the idea that great beer should be for everyone, proving that even within the historic walls of Britain's oldest brewer, the spirit of innovation can deliver a 4.4% pint that is both timeless and timely.”

The Small Batch Brewery is a 15 barrel kit allowing Shepherd Neame’s brewers to experiment with styles, ingredients and techniques - in contrast to the main brewhouse, which produces 110 brewers’ barrels at a time.

Gluten Free Pilsner (4.4%) is now available in selected Shepherd Neame sites for a limited time.

You can find which sites it is available at here: shepherdneame.co.uk/brewery/small-batch-brewery