Shepherd Neame is hoping discerning drinkers will swarm to its pubs to enjoy the newest Cask Club nectar on offer, May Bee.
A golden-amber honey ale, May Bee (4.3% ABV) offers delicate malt and sweet honey flavours, balanced with peppery spice and fruit notes. Crystal malt gives a deep golden hue, with oats used to create smooth mouth feel. UK Cascade hops combine with Target and Challenger to give floral and citrus aromas, balancing out the sweet honey.
The honey was sourced locally from Paynes Bee Farm, a family-run business in the village of Hassocks, Sussex, just 90 minutes from the brewery. Started in 1922, Paynes is famed for its polyhives, a modern alternative to traditional wooden hives, and celebrates its centenary this year.
Shepherd Neame’s technical brewer, Danielle Whelan, said: “With spring in the air, May Bee is the perfect pint as the weather brightens up, offering drinkers a well-rounded yet complex beer.
“The team and I had a lot of fun brewing May Bee, carefully pouring the honey into the coppers by hand to ensure the sweet flavour and aromas were imparted into the brew as late in the process as possible. We are confident our newest beer will create quite a buzz with drinkers!”
Technical brewer Danielle Whelan adds the honey to the brew
Roger Paynes, third generation bee farmer, said: “Paynes is now celebrating its 100th year, retaining its traditional beekeeping methods and family values at the heart of the business. We believe this is what has made Paynes so successful over the years, and there is nothing we love more than seeing our honey being used in collaboration with other independent companies, like Shepherd Neame, that share the same core values.
“These key partnerships help produce and enhance local, unique products that are appreciated by everyone in their local communities. We are thrilled to be working with Shepherd Neame, and excited to see our honey being used in this way.”
May Bee is available in selected Shepherd Neame pubs throughout April and May.
