After sharing my thoughts on Yorkshire’s finest, my wife and I decided to head down south—metaphorically speaking—to the beautiful “Garden of England” for our next pint.
Today, I am thrilled to bring you a comprehensive beer review of a true heavyweight in the world of traditional British beer: Bishops Finger. Brewed by Shepherd Neame, this legendary Kentish strong ale is a masterclass in rich, complex flavours.
Let’s dive into my honest tasting notes and discover why this historic ruby ale has remained a pub favourite for generations.
🇯🇵 この記事を日本語で読む: 【英国最古の醸造所】イギリス人夫が絶賛！伝統のケンティッシュ・ストロングエール「ビショップス・フィンガー」ビールレビュー
A Protected Classic from one of Britain’s Oldest Breweries
To understand Bishops Finger, you have to understand its heritage. Crafted at the famous Kent brewery in Faversham, which has been operating since 1698, this beer is so unique that it holds a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. This means it can only be brewed using local Kentish ingredients, including local artesian water and the finest Kentish hops.
Unlike lighter session bitters, a Kentish strong ale is all about depth, warmth, and character. At 5.2% ABV in the bottle, Bishops Finger is a robust brew that demands your full attention—and it rewards you beautifully for it.
Appearance and Aroma: Rich, Deep, and Inviting
As you can see from our photo, this beer looks absolutely stunning when poured. It has a gorgeous, deep ruby-amber colour that glows brilliantly in the light, topped with a smooth, light tan head.
The aroma is an instant giveaway of its strength and quality. You are immediately greeted by rich, dark fruit notes—think raisins and prunes—blended with a distinct, sweet hint of roasted malt and caramel. Underneath all that richness, there is a sharp, spicy, and earthy undertone from the traditional East Kent Goldings hops. It is incredibly inviting, especially on a cosy evening.
Tasting Notes: A Bold Symphony of Fruit and Spice
The first sip of Bishops Finger delivers a delightful punch of flavour. It is full-bodied, smooth, and incredibly satisfying. Here is what makes this tasting experience so memorable:
- The Fruit and Malt: Up front, your palate is treated to a wave of rich, Christmas-cake sweetness, dominated by dried fruits, brown sugar, and a hint of warming alcohol.
- The Hop Bitterness: Just when it threatens to become too sweet, the Kentish hops kick in, providing a clean, peppery, and lingering bitter finish that perfectly balances the rich malt base.
It has a wonderfully complex texture that coats the mouth, making it the perfect beer to sip slowly and savour alongside a hearty Sunday roast or some mature cheddar cheese.
The Verdict: An Absolute Masterpiece of British Brewing
If you want to experience a traditional British beer with real muscle and centuries of history behind it, Bishops Finger by Shepherd Neame is a must try. It is bold, uncompromising, and showcases the very best of Kent’s world-famous hop-growing heritage.
Keep an eye out for that iconic purple and white label, pour it into a proper glass, and enjoy a true taste of English history. Cheers to great beer!
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