Shepherd Neame is hoping drinkers will say ‘Kia Ora’ to its latest limited edition beer — a New Zealand-inspired pale ale.
Apprentice brewer Tom Smith (left) with Shepherd Neame brewing manager Rupert Hodgkins
New Zealand Hazy Pale Ale (5.3% ABV) is a cold IPA crafted using Kiwi hops Kohatu, Motueka, Wakatu. and Wai-iti, known for their zesty citrus character.
It was created at the Faversham brewery by apprentice brewer Tom Smith, who drew inspiration from his travels across New Zealand and his family’s long-standing connection to the country.
Tom said: “I’m ecstatic that the beer is coming out. It has been such a whirlwind experience from joining the company about five months ago to now creating my own beer! I’m just so thankful for the opportunity and for everyone who has supported me. I just really hope everyone likes this beer as much as I do.
“New Zealand means a lot to my family, and to me. My late grandparents moved out to New Zealand with my dad and my two uncles when they were young for 12 years, and my dad has very fond memories from his childhood. So when my partner and I went travelling, it was a place I had to visit to experience for myself.”
Tom recently entered the beer into the UnTappd Brewing Apprentice competition, with HIT Training, under the name Zest of Aotearoa. Aotearoa is the Māori name for New Zealand. Although it didn’t win, judges were impressed enough to ask him to brew it again for the BeerX trade event in Liverpool in March.
New Zealand Hazy Pale Ale is now available in selected Shepherd Neame pubs and hotels for a limited time.
