Bishops Finger - The Ale

What the Experts Say

Andrew Jefford’s Tasting Notes

Regular contributor to BBC Radio 4’s Food Programme and former wine writer on the London Evening Standard, Andrew recently won the prestigious Glenfiddich Drink Writer of the Year, Wine Writer if the Year and the Glenfiddich Trophy for overall excellence – all three in the same year – an unprecedented achievement. At the same time, he won the Wine Book of the Year title at the Le Prix du Champagne Lanson.

“This ember-warm Kentish ale takes the dense, rich fruit notes of gently roasted malts and mixes them with a profusion of locally grown Kent hops to give a satisfyingly clean, dry, lingering Seville-orange finish.

“Ample use of crystal malts gives this strong ale its ember-warm, autumnal colours. Multi-layered aromas combine the nourishment of rich grain scents with appealingly generous dried apricot, peach and raisin notes. If you’re expecting a sweet beer, though, think again: this is as complex and dense as plum pud, but there’s a wealth of Seville-orange marmalade and pine-forest hops to keep the finish pungently dry.”

Michael Jackson (“The Beer Hunter”)

“From Kent, try Shepherd Neame's Bishops Finger with lamb from the Downs.”

Peter Ogie’s Tasting Notes

Peter Ogie is a former head brewer and an award-winning beer writer

“The dominant character of this premium ale is its generous, fruity flavour, reminscent of bananas and pears with citrus overtones.

“A full-bodied, nut-brown, nourishing ale with a lingering hoppy finish. An ideal companion to food or it can serve as a delicious digestive after a meal.”