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Shepherd Neame – Master Brew
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December 11th, 2009Beer Reviews, BittersDubbed “The Local Hero”, Shepherd Neame’s Master Brew is a self-assured ale from “Britain’s Oldest Brewer” (which presumably is also Britain’s oldest brewery – or this self-assurance also extends to the life-expectancy of the particular person who brewed the beer). The blurb on the bottle proclaims the English origin of the drink in various languages,
Master Brew: Described as "the best selling cask ale brewed in Kent" by Shepherd Neame
suggesting not only does it aim to be a local hero, but it’s battling for admiration abroad.
Visually, the dark copper liquid conjures the image of polished mahogany, and this polish certainly rubbed off on the bottle designers, with embossed features on the glass and gold detailing on the label trying to differentiate this Kentish nectar from beers of lesser heritage.
The moment the bottle cap pops clear and the conditioned gases scream forth – sending an amorous aroma like a booty call to your brain for a threesome with your taste buds – you know you’re in for a treat. The mild acidity of the hoppy scent assaults the senses, reassuring you that this isn’t a common-or-garden hint-of-citrus ale, but an all-season classic.
It seems the one area those Southerners aren’t soft is in their cultivation of hops, as with each mouthful the subtle cinder-toffee tones of the crystal malt seem to be immediately quelled by the dominating bitterness of the Kentish hops. This is no bad thing, but the more complex flavours are left to cower in the corner of your palate, whimpering quietly in the hope of a look-in.
The bitterness gradually subsides to leave a faintly smoky aftertaste with a suggestion of oak, leaving the warm glow of an open log fire smouldering on the tongue, begging to be stoked by more of this amber ale.
At 4.0% ABV (bottled, cask is 3.7%), Shepherd’s Neame Master Brew Kentish Ale is a typical session bitter with distinctive but not offensive taste, demonstrating why this old brewer is still going strong in today’s growing beer market.
Tags: kent, local hero, master brew, shepherd neame
5 responses to “Shepherd Neame – Master Brew” 
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Completely agree, we rated this one a smart beer at the Bunker. Great blog! (Quote)
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FletchtheMonkey Reply:
January 19th, 2011 at 8:25 amIt’s also currently on special offer at Morrison’s (in our local one anyway) about £1 a bottle… (Quote)
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Chris July 21st, 2011 at 22:12
Just bought a few bottles from my local morrisons last night. I really cant believe its only £1. Really nice quality, clear, crisp, kentish ale. Lovely English stuff.
I find shep neame beers are generally all excellent quality, and this certainly doesnt disappoint. (Quote)
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FletchtheMonkey Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 12:12 amThey seem to be widely available now, stocked by most supermarkets plus they’ve got the versions for Lidl (or is it Aldi?) and Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference. TTD London Porter was nice. Thought their Early Bird was completely light struck at the start of summer though.
Thanks for stopping by! (Quote)
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FletchtheMonkey Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 12:50 amIt’s a great price, and they widely distribute through the supermarkets, especially with the own brand stuff for Sainsbury’s, ASDA and Lidl (I think that’s right!) (Quote)
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Pete Brissenden December 11th, 2009 at 19:40