Shep's new cask reaches out to gin lovers
Added: Sunday, March 8th 2020
Shepherd Neame is marking the first anniversary of its Cask Club real ale initiative this month with the release of Why Can’t We Be Fronds? (4.6% ABV).
It is a botanical beer, which given the ongoing love affair with all things gin, is tapping into a current trend. A mid-amber ale with a malty backbone, Fronds is brewed with a trio of Kentish hops -- Target, First Gold and East Kent Goldings – with the addition of fresh juniper berries and elderflower. Cascade hops are added late on.
Shepherd Neame’s head brewer Mike Unsworth says: “The hops used give the beer a citrus and spicy finish, while the fresh berries and delicate elderflower nose leave a fresh botanical finish.”
It will be available throughout March.
More than half a million Cask Club pints have now been sold since its launch in March 2019. The initiative sees a new cask ale released each month, celebrating modern styles and flavours, with exciting international collaborations and classic seasonal favourites.
It is not just the taste but also the look of Cask Club that takes a fresh approach, with dynamic design and bright colours not normally associated with cask ale, for ultimate stand-out on the bar.
Cask Club brand manager Rose Davis says: “Our aim with Cask Club was to encourage more people to enjoy what we believe is one of the best drinks in the world. We have been overwhelmed by the positive response.”
Mike Unsworth adds: “With Cask Club we have tapped into the growing trend among drinkers to experiment and try new beers with different flavours and character. Why Can’t We Be Fronds? certainly fulfils that criteria.”
Why Can’t We Be Fronds? Will be followed in April by Blonde Ambition (4.2% ABV). This pale golden ale, with citrus and grapefruit aromas, boasts a clean and zesty flavour. It is based on a recipe from iconic US craft brewer Samuel Adams.
The Cask Club release for May will be May Bee (4.3% ABV), a honey ale.
Find out more about Cask Club at www.sncaskclub.co.uk.
