Zesty New Beer Launched By Britain's Oldest Brewer

A zesty new beer from independent Kentish brewer Shepherd Neame is set to delight drinkers this summer.

Citra Smack (3.8% ABV) is the fifth beer in its popular real ale initiative Cask Club. A straw-coloured IPA, it combines three hops – Cascade, Amarillo and Citra – to offer a fruity aroma with lively citrus notes. A combination of Pale Ale and Crystal malts alongside a small amount of wheat and oats creates a well-rounded, smooth beer with distinctive fruit flavours and a refreshing smack of citrus.

And it’s not just the zesty flavours but the look of this Cask Club beer that takes a fresh approach.

Citra Smack’s name and pump clip design draws inspiration from Iron Wharf Boatyard overlooking the creek in Faversham, the medieval market town where Shepherd Neame has been based for more than 400 years. The pump clip depicts a classic smack - a traditional fishing boat used to harvest oysters in nearby Whitstable – sailing on the water past the boatyard.

Head Brewer Mike Unsworth said: “While the main hop is the Citra variety, we used a smaller selection of other aroma hops to create a really refreshing and well balanced pint."

“Our team have had a great time bringing Citra Smack to life, and we are very happy with the finished result. With its juicy citrus flavours and aroma we think it provides a real drop of sunshine in a glass, perfect for summer.”

Shepherd Neame’s Cask Club was launched in 2019, offering an exciting new range of limited edition innovative cask beers incorporating modern styles and flavours, while also celebrating some seasonal classics.

Drinkers are able to get involved with Cask Club by picking up a passport at participating pubs, collecting a bespoke crook stamp for each new Cask Club ale tried. Those who complete the passport will be eligible for an exclusive Cask Club t-shirt, and will be entered into a prize draw for a weekend getaway.

Future ales in the Cask Club programme to look out for over the next few months include Hop Pocket (4.5% ABV), Cobnut (3.8% ABV) and Late Red (4.5% ABV).

To be the first to discover new Cask Club beers sign up to hear more online at snea.me/joincaskclub, and follow @shepherdneame on social media.