Shepherd Neame of Faversham in Kent is Britain�s oldest brewery, dating from 1698, though brewing on the site is older and records show that monks were brewing in the town from the 12th century. The brewery is still family owned by the Neame family who extended the brewhouse early this century to keep up with demand for the beers. Faversham lies in the heart of the Kent hop fields and the brewery has the good fortune to have the pick of the local crop.

Shepherd Neame, Christmas Ale (England) Shepherd Neame is so conscious of the key role played in brewing by hops that it has created a special field near Faversham where both old and new varieties of the plants are grown. Christmas Ale is brewed with pale and crystal malts and is hopped with Admiral and East Kent Goldings. It has a glowing amber colour with a snowy collar of foam. The deep, crisp and even aroma offers pear drops, marzipan, candied fruit, spicy hops and sweet malt. There�s a stocking full of flavours in the mouth � chewy, nutty malt, rich candy fruits and bitter hop resins. The finish has a crackle of logs with smoky malt, tart and tangy hops, rich fruit and a hint of reindeer harness. Malt: high. Fruit: high. Hops: medium. 7.0% ABV, 50cl, �2.00, brewery website, widely available.