E-Malt.com News article: UK: Shepherd Neame brews special ale to celebrate the Hastings Jack in the Green Festival

Britain's oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame, has used traditional Sussex honey to create a special ale to celebrate the Hastings Jack in the Green Festival to be held in the town from May 2 to May 5, according to company’s press release, April 17.

Jack in the Green Special, hand-crafted by Shepherd Neame's expert brewers, features pure Sussex honey from Paynes Southdown Bee Farm as a key ingredient.

The 4.1% abv traditional beer is very pale in colour, with clean, dry, fruity, citrus notes.

Brewer Stewart Main said: "The finest Maris Otter pale ale malt is the principal brewing ingredient complemented by sun-dried golden oats and gently kilned caramalt. The hops used are First Gold and Pilot, two dwarf varieties. A late copper addition of Pilot provides a delicate spicy, dry hop character."

The colour of this pale, golden ale mirrors exactly the colour of the pure Sussex honey used in the brew. Aromas of grapefruit and lemon are complemented by a variety of delicious, natural, malty flavours. The finish is crisp and dry with subtle undertones of honey lingering on the palate.

Jack in the Green Special will be available at five Hastings pubs: the Royal Standard, in East Beach Street; The Stag, in All Saints Street; and three George Street pubs, the Hastings Arms, the Anchor and Ye Old Pump House.

Shepherd Neame's production and distribution director, Ian Dixon, said: "The key ingredient that makes this beer really special is the addition of pure Sussex honey. Jack in the Green Special is the perfect drink to toast the May celebrations and enjoy a refreshing taste of the warm days yet to come."


18 April, 2008