Independent family brewer Shepherd Neame is celebrating a very special anniversary this summer with a new limited edition golden ale.
Go For Gold (3.4% ABV) has been brewed to commemorate 100 years since Lieutenant General Sir Philip Neame’s gold medal success in the 1924 Paris Olympics. Sir Philip was born in Faversham, and was a cousin of Percy Beale Neame, the first Neame to join with the Shepherds to form Shepherd Neame.
Sir Philip was also a First World War hero, awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) in 1914 in honour of his heroic actions during a battle in Neuve Chapelle, France.
The pump clip design for the beer, part of Shepherd Neame’s real ale Cask Club calendar, features a medal with a figure taking part in the Running Deer event for which Sir Philip won gold. It pays homage to his Faversham roots with the inclusion of St Mary of Charity Parish Church, and the Paris Olympics with the iconic Eiffel Tower.
Chief Executive Jonathan Neame said:
“Sir Philip’s achievements - both as a sportsman and as a war hero - were truly extraordinary, so we thought it was only fitting to mark the centenary of his Olympic success with a special beer."
“We hope that our customers will join us in raising a glass to Sir Philip, the only man in history to be awarded both a gold Olympic medal and the Victoria Cross.”
Go For Gold has a silky, full-bodied mouthfeel courtesy of a blend of Caragold malt and oats. This is complemented with spicy, floral and honey aromas from a quintessential pick of Kentish hops, Challenger and East Kent Goldings, and light citrus notes from UK Centennial dry hopping. This is all rounded off with a well-balanced, gentle bitter finish.
Brewer Scott Wilkins, who has led the brew, said:
“Creating this very special commemorative beer has been a fun challenge for myself and the brewing team. Go For Gold brings out the best characteristics of the Kentish hops. The sweet notes balanced with the rounded bitterness means that at 3.4%, Go For Gold makes for a refreshing session gold ale, perfect for enjoying in a sunny pub garden or while watching the sport over the summer.”
Shepherd Neame’s Cask Club offers an exciting new range of limited edition innovative cask beers incorporating modern styles and flavours, while also celebrating some seasonal classics. Future ales in the Cask Club programme to look out for over the next few months include returning favourites Hop Pocket and Late Red.
To be the first to discover new Cask Club beers sign up to hear more: and follow @shepherdneame on social media.
About Shepherd Neame
Shepherd Neame has been based in the market town of Faversham, Kent for over 300 years. Perhaps best known for great British classic ales such as Spitfire Amber, which carries the Royal Warrant, its diverse portfolio includes Bear Island East Coast Pale Ale and Bear Island Triple Hopped Lager, and the Whitstable Bay Collection. It also brews international lagers under licence including premium Thai lager Singha. The independent family business boasts an award-winning visitor centre and 300 pubs and hotels throughout London and the South East, from the historic heart of the City to the Kent coastline.