Richard Frost Shepherd NeameShepherd Neame has won a gold, silver and bronze medal in the International Brewing Awards, dubbed the Oscars of the brewing industry.

Nearly 1,000 beers and ciders from all over the world entered this year’s awards, which have been running since 1886, and encourage innovation and diversity in beer and honour brewing excellence.

Samuel Adams Boston Lager (4.8% ABV) won gold in class 2 (4.8% -6.9% ABV) of the international keg lager competition. Brewed under licence by Shepherd Neame, it was first produced in Boston and is the world’s leading US craft beer, combining the full flavour of ale with the smoothness of lager.

The contemporary Whitstable Bay Collection, launched by Shepherd Neame under its Faversham Steam Brewery moniker last year, also scored highly in the awards.

Whitstable Bay Blonde Premium Lager (4.5% ABV) won bronze in class 1 (2.9%-4.7% ABV) of the international keg lager Competition, and Whitstable Bay Organic Ale (4.5% ABV) won silver in the organic beer category of the international speciality beer competition.

The beers are judged only by currently working professional brewers who have acknowledged and current expertise in the tasting and commercial evaluation of beers.

Head brewer, Richard Frost (pictured), said: “To win three medals is a tribute to the expertise and dedication of our brewers, who are dedicated to brewing ales and lagers of the highest quality and offering a distinct flavour.”