Shepherd Neame has built on the popularity of its Bishops Finger ale with the launch of a new beer, Bishops Finger IPA Reserve.

The new release, which is a modern addition to the brewer’s portfolio is a 5.5% ABV golden, vibrant IPA, and is said to combine bright citrus notes with caramel depth and a smooth, satisfying bitterness, the new beer delivers a contemporary, flavour-led take on the IPA style.

The announcement of its new beer coincides with Shepherd Neame revealing a £15 million investment in a modern, smaller brewery on its town centre site in Faversham that will “secure the next generation of brewing” in the town.

The new brew features contemporary branding developed in partnership with global creative agency Thirst, building on the refreshed identity introduced for Bishops Finger in 2025. While maintaining a strong visual connection to the original, IPA Reserve stands out with distinctive green packaging.

First brewed in 1958, Bishops Finger was the first strong ale produced by the Faversham-based independent brewer and pub company following 20 years of malt rationing.

This new release is available in cask at 4.6% ABV and in 500ml bottles at 5.2% ABV, it takes its name from an ancient Kentish signpost on the Pilgrims’ Way, which pointed travellers towards the shrine of Thomas à Becket at Canterbury Cathedral.

The iconic branding features a hand-drawn illustration of Canterbury Cathedral, located less than 10 miles from Shepherd Neame’s historic brewery. The refreshed design celebrates the beer’s Kentish origins and incorporates a reimagined Shepherd Neame monogram inspired by the company’s heritage as Britain’s oldest brewer.

Shepherd Neame’s director of brewing, Mike Unsworth, said: “We are continually investing in our award-winning collection of beers. Bishops Finger remains one of the most popular beers in our portfolio, and we are very proud to introduce Bishops Finger IPA Reserve as a new addition.

“It is a modern, vibrant IPA, which we believe will appeal to those who already enjoy Bishops Finger, while attracting new customers to our beers.

“We have an experienced and accomplished team behind all of our beers, and we applaud everyone involved in creating another excellent addition to our collection – and hopefully a Kentish classic in the making.”