First brewed in 1998 to celebrate Shepherd Neame's tercentenary, this copper-bronze, bottle conditioned beauty is an intense yet uniquely intricate offering thrice-hopped during the brewing process. This adds rich resinous notes and spikes of citrus to a moreish strong ale already rife with notes of liquorice, Marsala wine, caramel and spicy orange. A frisson of dark fruit freshens the finish.
This ale has Protected Geographical Indication, the same unique regional protection afforded to Champagne and Parma Ham.
Very nice indeed.