Beer Review: Shepherd Neame Bishops Finger

Name: Bishops Finger

Brewery: Shepherd Neame

ABV: 5.2%

Style: ESB

Location: Faversham, Kent

Aroma: Hints of banana, apples, toffee, malt and a whisp of sherry.

 

Colour: Deep reddish brown with a thin white head that dissipates quickly.

 

Taste: Profoundly bitter, with a distinct hoppy backbone. The malt is moderately noticeable in the background with perhaps a hint of caramel sweetness and a note of banana. An afterburn of strength is noticeable, given its ABV that’s not too surprising. The mouthfeel is disappointing, cloying and watery, the intense carbonation offers it no favours.

 

Verdict: The balance of flavours is off, it’s bitter and dry, yet leaves no room for the other flavours to come forward clearly. I expected more character for a beer of this strength, yet I was left with a flat, uninspiring taste with a bitter back-taste, poor mouthfeel and a profound level of carbonation that was uncomfortable to drink. Although it would certainly be better in cask, the bottle version doesn’t offer any favours.

 

Rating: 5/10