Shepherd Neame 1698 Bottle Conditioned Strong Ale 500ml $8.50
This is a magnificent ale with a poise and balance belying its 6.5 per cent alcohol. While there’s a luxurious, toffee-like maltiness at the core, generous use of local Kent hops convincingly pervades and tempers – aromatically and with bitterness — what could easily have been a too-heady, too-sweet brew.
*****

Shepherd Neame Whitstable Bay Organic Ale 500ml $7.50
This delicious, aromatic ale combines organic English barley malt with organic New Zealand Gem and Hallertau hops. It’s another charismatic Shepherd Neame brew. In this case the sweet, fruity, malty aromas and flavours star. But the Kiwi hops kick in to give a refreshing, dry, herbal finish.
*****

Copyright © Chris Shanahan 2007