insideKENT Magazine Issue 102 - October 2020 | Page 44

GRAINTOGLASS
FROM GRAIN TO GLASS : CONT .
Titans of Industry
There are a few major players when it comes to Kent based breweries that flood the whole of the south-east with tastebud-tingling beer . Perhaps the most impressive and renowned of all the Kent breweries is Shepherd Neame . Based in the picturesque town of Faversham , and surrounded by the beautiful hop gardens of Kent , this brewery proudly holds the title of Britain ’ s oldest brewer and has more than 300 pubs scattered throughout London and the South East . Go into any of these pubs and you will find yourself a frosty , award-winning , Shepherd Neame beer perfectly suited to individual tastes . Shepherd Neame reassure us that : ‘ If you ' re looking for cask , keg or bottled ales , whether using traditional or perhaps more unusual ingredients , we have something that will intrigue and delight in equal measure .’ Some of their yummy brews include the Bear Island range , the fruity , citrusy Crossfire and the Whitstable Bay range , each one incredibly unique , thirst quenching and delicious .
Old Dairy Brewery was born in 2010 and has called the historic town of Tenterden home for the past 6 years . This is a brewery that values the local people that work and patronise the breweries , as well as taking full advantage of living in hop central , using local hops grown by local farmers - their passion and Kentish spirit is evidenced in every bubbly sip . ‘ We passionately believe in brewing an exceptional range of very enjoyable and drinkable beers across a broad range of styles . We aim to use only the best and freshest ingredients , many of which are available from local farms on our doorstep .’ If you fancy trying an Old Dairy beer or two head down to their tap room , there is a fully stocked bar featuring cask and keg beers , and cosy socially-distanced seating so you can really sit back , relax and enjoy one of their famous beers . Also don ’ t forget to look out for Old Dairy ’ s Snow Top this winter for a strong , dark warming ale on those chilly winter nights .
Micro Breweries
Everyone knows and loves the huge Kent breweries , but we also specialise in a vast array of microbreweries , which are often independently owned and produce small amounts of specialised beer . The microbreweries trend has been sweeping the country and drawing men and women from all over the country to tiny spaces that make incredible beer . One such place is the small , unique brewery based out the back of a farm shop ; Boutilliers , whose beers can be instantly recognised by their stunning , unique and quirky artwork . Priding themselves on fun , exciting and innovative beers , this is a brewery started by two men whose aim was to put their creativity , expertise and love into brewing . We think this quote from Boutilliers sums up the micro-brewer perfectly : ‘ Beer is an infinitely sprawling landscape with an equal number of potential possibilities . We don ’ t wish to simply make the same beer every time we brew , we want to explore , we want to play , we want our beer to be fun .’ They also have a pop-up bottle shop at the Coachworks in Ashford , so if you simply can ’ t wait to get your hands on a cold , refreshing bottle of Kent micro brew , get down to the Coachworks now !
If a seaside tinny is more your brew of choice , then the team at Dockers Brew Co have you covered . Based in a shipping container at East Yard , on Folkestone ’ s thriving Harbour Arm , the team produce small-batch , thirst-quenching craft beers , including pilsners , blondes and pale ales , that reflect their harbourside location , all available in ready to indulge cans .
With so many incredible breweries brewing world class beers right here on our doorstep , we are totally spoiled for choice for delicious , hoppy beverages this autumn . So enjoy a cold , frosty one in the county we are officially dubbing the Beer Garden of England .
BOUTILLIERS
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