Britain’s oldest brewer Shepherd Neame has unveiled a new look for its award-winning 1698 Bottle Conditioned Kentish Strong Ale.
Originally brewed in 1998 to celebrate the tercentenary of the Faversham-based brewery, 1698 is a dark amber-coloured ale with a robust hop character as it is thrice-hopped using Kentish Admiral and Goldings hops. As a Kentish Strong Ale, it has Protected Geographical Indication, the same unique regional protection afforded to Champagne and Parma Ham.
The ale matures naturally in the bottle and can be enjoyed fresh or allowed to settle for a few months to mellow. The natural effervescence produced by bottle-conditioning – the interaction of yeast and brewing sugars – gives 1698 fine, Champagne-like bubbles that further enhance the aroma and flavour.
Its elegant new packaging is in keeping with Shepherd Neame’s Classic Collection of beers, which include Brilliant Ale, India Pale Ale, Double Stout and Mild. The 1698 bottle labels are entirely black and cream, and include the motto Faversham, The Market Town of Kings, along with the three lion crest from the Royal Arms of England. As a Royal Court to the former Kings of Kent, Faversham holds 17 Royal Charters and is able to use the heraldic emblem as its own.
Shepherd Neame’s marketing manager Mark Miller said: “1698 is a connoisseur bottle-conditioned ale, and we feel that its elegant, classic new look is the perfect fit to reflect its quality and Shepherd Neame’s long history.”
The new look 1698 (ABV 6.5%) is available in a 500ml bottle from Asda, selected Tesco stores, good independent stockists and Shepherd Neame’s brewery shop at www.shepherdneame.co.uk/shop.
