Shepherd Neame is celebrating a special family anniversary this summer with the release of a limited edition ale, Go For Gold.
It marks 100 years since Lieutenant General Sir Philip Neame’s gold medal success in the 1924 Paris Olympics. Sir Philip was born in Faversham, and was a cousin of Percy Beale Neame, the first Neame to join with the Shepherds to form Shepherd Neame.
Sir Philip was also a first world war hero, awarded the Victoria Cross in 1914 in honour of his heroic actions during a battle in Neuve Chapelle, France.
The pumpclip design for the 3.4% ABV beer, part of Shepherd Neame’s real ale Cask Club calendar, features a medal with a figure taking part in the Running Deer event for which Sir Philip won gold. It pays homage to his Faversham roots with the inclusion of St Mary of Charity Parish Church, and the Paris Olympics with the iconic Eiffel Tower.
Sir Philip’s achievements — both as a sportsman and as a war hero — were truly extraordinary, so we thought it was only fitting to mark the centenary of his Olympic success with a special beer.
Lt Gen Sir Philip Neame, photographed in 1959
“We hope that our customers will join us in raising a glass to Sir Philip, the only man in history to be awarded both a gold Olympic medal and the Victoria Cross.”
Go For Gold has a silky, full-bodied mouthfeel, courtesy of a blend of caragold malt and oats. This is complemented by spicy, floral, and honey aromas from a quintessential pick of Kentish hops, Challenger and East Kent Goldings, and light citrus notes from UK Centennial dry hopping. This is all rounded off with a well-balanced, gentle bitter finish.
Brewer Scott Wilkins said: “Creating this very special commemorative beer has been a fun challenge for myself and the brewing team. Go For Gold brings out the best characteristics of the Kentish hops.
“The sweet notes balanced with the rounded bitterness means that, at 3.4%, Go For Gold makes for a refreshing session gold ale, perfect for enjoying in a sunny pub garden or while watching the sport over the summer.”
