Shepherd Neame Bishops Finger

I had already almost written this review a while ago, but got sidetracked, so I decided to continue with it. This was primarily because I had finally found out what the name of the beer meant, but also because it IS a classic beer worthy of a write-up! So, here is my review of Shepherd Neame’s Classic premium ale; the wonderfully named Bishops Finger. ~~~THE BREWERY. Shepherd Neame call themselves the oldest brewery in Britain. Their claim has some substance because the company was actually started way, way back in the mists of time…well, 1698 to be precise. Based in Faversham in Kent, Shepherd Neame was founded by the then Mayor (Captain Richard ...  Read the complete review

Sometimes I want to drink in order to forget all around me. You know, bad day at work, other things in your life a hopeless mess, bills through the door - you know the score. Well lucky for me I discovered this little grenade in a bottle just in time. Its a very strong premium cask conditioned ale brewed by mixing together barley with some potent little Kent hops and water scooped straight out of Shepherd Neame's very own hole in the ground. I don't think it goes particularly well with food, although I have had it with my turkey on Christmas Day more than once. Its better taken in the evening on its own, either relaxing at home or in a traditional pub ...  Read the complete review

Bishop's Finger is apparently one of the most well respected beers we have ... apparently. Personally I think it tastes very dodgy and would give it a wide berth. Brewed by Shepherd Neame, which is indeed one of the country's most accomplised brewers (just try the Original Porter for evidence of that), this 5.4% volume beer certainly packs plenty of punch for it's 500ml bottle. However, the alcohol absolutely swamps any underlying taste it may have. Often the higher alcohol beers aren't necessarily best, tasting almost like a thick sherry, and this Bishop's Finger definitely suffers from that problem. In fact, you can almost taste ...  Read the complete review

Bishops Finger is one of the best beers in the Shepherd Neame portfolio. It is at the top end of strong for a strong bitter and needs to be shown a bit of respect as its likely to bite back. It has a strong rich flavour which is particularly good to drink in the depths of winter. It is a bit too rich for warm summer months. Like most local breweries the draught version is found extensively in Kent but less so at greater distances. However, all is not lost as their very good bottled version can be found in many of the leading supermarket chains. A lovely beer to sit in front of the telly on a cold winters night in with a big bag of crisps. ...  Read the complete review

This beer is really quite strong and very full on flavour. I'm very fond of Shepherd and Naeme and this one is one of the best. I enjoy drinking this one during an Indian takeaway, i don't know why, i just do. This beer is very dark in colour and i think it has a very distinctive taste, like beer and cinamon, but only a small amount. You can't really taste it that much but the cinamon is definitely there. This really is a very fine beer from the best brewery, give this one a try it's a gooden. ...  Read the complete review