Shepherd Neame has unveiled Dragonfire, a 4.5% ABV English ale, which is the second beer this year in its real ale initiative Cask Club.
Shepherd Neame technical brewer Danielle Whelan with a pint of Dragonfire
The beer offers a balanced fruitiness from Challenger and East Kent Goldings hops, with subtle herbal notes of spearmint and cedar, courtesy of the Pioneer hops used during dry hopping. A Kentish variety, Pioneer was originally released in 1996 after it was bred by the team at Horticulture Research International, Wye College.
And it’s not just the hop flavours but also the look of Cask Club that takes a fresh approach. Dynamic new designs bring to life the original stories of Britain’s oldest brewer and its unique Kentish roots.
Dragonfire’s design pays homage to Shepherd Neame being the first brewery outside of London — and the second brewery anywhere in the world — to incorporate steam power into the brewing process. The Sun and Planet steam engines, created by engineers Matthew Boulton and James Watt, were installed at the Faversham brewery in 1789.
Technical brewer Danielle Whelan said: “We decided to use the Pioneer hop alongside the well-loved Challenger and East Kent Goldings hops in this brew to offer an innovative flavour and aroma profile, which we hope will entice real ale fans and new cask drinkers alike to try Dragonfire.
“It’s been a rewarding experience creating this recipe, and we are excited for drinkers to enjoy a pint of this flavoursome beer throughout April!”
Drinkers are able to get involved with Cask Club by picking up a passport at participating pubs, collecting a bespoke crook stamp for each new Cask Club ale tried. Those who complete the passport will be eligible for an exclusive Cask Club t-shirt, and will be entered into a prize draw for a weekend getaway.
