Shepherd Neame Bishops Finger Ale

Product of: United Kingdom

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Originally brewed in 1958, this traditional English strong ale is named after the finger-shaped signposts still found in Kent. These originally dotted the Pilgrims Way, pointing the way to Canterbury and the shrine of Thomas A Becket before it was destroyed by Henry VIII.

During the war years, malt and other grains where rationed in Britain so restricting brewing activities. After rationing ended in 1957 Shepherd Neame’s Head Brewer Gordon Ely was given the go-ahead by the Brewery’s board of Directors to produce their first strong ale for nearly 20 years. Bishops Finger was a celebration of the end of post-war austerity.

Bishops Finger’s packaging was given a makeover in November 2013 but retained its ecclesiastical purple, gold, black and white colour scheme.

Unusually, the European Union has issued a Protective Geographic Indicator meaning that Bishops Finger is the only British beer entitled to be sold under the descriptor ‘Kentish strong ale’.

Review and Tasting

Sampled on 02/01/2014

Appearance:

(sample best before Nov-14) Clear, deep bronze chestnut amber with reddish glint. Thin off white head and spotted lacing.

Aroma:

Earthy burnt toast and caramel with apple, mocha coffee and light floral notes.

Taste:

Malty and nutty with caramel, prunes, plums, grilled almond and hop bitterness.

Aftertaste:

Caramel and burnt toast with lingering orange zest and piney bitterness.