First brewed in 1998 to celebrate Shepherd Neame's tercentenary, this copper-bronze, bottle conditioned beauty is an intense yet uniquely intricate offering thrice-hopped during the brewing process. This adds rich resinous notes & spikes of citrus to a moreish strong ale already rife with notes of liquorice, Masala wine, caramel & spicy orange. A frisson of dark fruit freshens the finish. Serve with smoked cheese. Thrice-hopped & bottle conditioned, 1698 is the connoisseur's choice, a beer to be savoured. Originally brewed to celebrate the tercentenary of Britain's oldest brewer, 1698 is a characteristically hoppy Kentish ale, & has Protected Geographical Indication, the same unique regional protection afforded to Champagne & Parma Ham. The ale matures naturally in the bottle & can be enjoyed fresh or allowed to settle for a few months to mellow. The natural effervescence produced by bottle-conditioning
- the interaction of yeast & brewing sugars
- gives 1698 fine, champagne-like bubbles that further enhance the fragrance, flavour & overall drinking experience. A silver medal winner in the Taste of Britain Awards, 1698 has been included in the International Beer Challenge's World's Top 50 Beers & has won a Gold Award from the British Bottlers' Institute.