Independent Family Brewer and Pub Company Shepherd Neame Unveils a New Addition to Its Popular Portfolio – Bishops Finger IPA Reserve

Britain’s oldest brewer Shepherd Neame is building on the popularity of its iconic Bishops Finger ale with the launch of a new beer, Bishops Finger IPA Reserve.

A modern addition to the brewer’s award-winning portfolio, Bishops Finger IPA Reserve (5.5% ABV) is a golden, vibrant IPA crafted by the experienced brewing team behind the original Kentish Strong Ale Bishops Finger.

Combining bright citrus notes with caramel depth and a smooth, satisfying bitterness, the new beer delivers a contemporary, flavour-led take on the IPA style.

The new beer features contemporary branding developed in partnership with global creative agency Thirst, building on the refreshed identity introduced for Bishops Finger in 2025. While maintaining a strong visual connection to the original, IPA Reserve stands out with distinctive green packaging.

First brewed in 1958, Bishops Finger was the first strong ale produced by the Faversham-based independent brewer and pub company following 20 years of malt rationing.

Available in cask at 4.6% ABV and in 500ml bottles at 5.2% ABV, it takes its name from an ancient Kentish signpost on the Pilgrims’ Way, which pointed travellers towards the shrine of Thomas à Becket at Canterbury Cathedral.

The iconic branding features a hand-drawn illustration of Canterbury Cathedral, located less than 10 miles from Shepherd Neame’s historic brewery. The refreshed design celebrates the beer’s Kentish origins and incorporates a reimagined Shepherd Neame monogram inspired by the company’s heritage as Britain’s oldest brewer.

Shepherd Neame’s Director of Brewing, Mike Unsworth, said: “We are continually investing in our award-winning collection of beers. Bishops Finger remains one of the most popular beers in our portfolio, and we are very proud to introduce Bishops Finger IPA Reserve as a new addition.

“It is a modern, vibrant IPA, which we believe will appeal to those who already enjoy Bishops Finger, while attracting new customers to our beers.

“We have an experienced and accomplished team behind all of our beers, and we applaud everyone involved in creating another excellent addition to our collection - and hopefully a Kentish classic in the making.”

Bishops Finger IPA Reserve is available in 500ml bottle (5.5% ABV) at selected Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose supermarkets and will be available across Shepherd Neame pubs from mid November.

About Shepherd Neame

Shepherd Neame has been based in the market town of Faversham, Kent for over 300 years. Perhaps best known for great British classic ales such as Spitfire Amber, which carries the Royal Warrant, its diverse portfolio includes Five Grain Lager, Bear Island East Coast Pale Ale and Bear Island Triple Hopped Lager, and the Whitstable Bay Collection. It also brews international lagers under licence including Samuel Adams Boston Lager and premium Thai lager Singha. The independent family business boasts an award-winning visitor centre and more than 300 pubs and hotels throughout London and the South East, from the historic heart of the City to the Kent coastline.

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For further information please contact Angela Cole via acole@shepherdneame.co.uk.

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