Shepherd Neame has picked up three medals at the British Bottlers’ Institute Competition, recognising the best in the bottling and packaging industry.

Shepherd Neame Bear Island

In the ales (4.5% to 4.9%) category, a gold medal was awarded to Bear Island East Coast Pale Ale. Launched in 2017, the deep golden ale combines hops imported from the US with native British hops.

In the lagers (4% to 5.5%) category, Bear Island Triple Hopped Lager scooped the gold award. The second in the contemporary Bear Island range, this hop-forward lager offers punchy tropical notes. Whitstable Bay Blonde Lager received a diploma of excellence in the same category.

Head brewer, Mike Unsworth, said: “We are delighted to have been recognised with three awards, including two gold medals, at these prestigious awards. Our team is passionate about beer, and committed to quality and innovation. To have three of our contemporary beers recognised in this way is a great accolade, showing once again that our beers are among the best in Britain.”

Shepherd Neame Whitstable Bay