An independent Kentish brewer has handed its 1958 classic a hop-forward sidekick: Bishops Finger IPA Reserve is a new 5.5% golden IPA from Shepherd Neame, made in Faversham, Kent, by the team behind the original Bishops Finger Kentish Strong Ale. Beer Today reported the launch on Nov. 2.
The brewer describes it as a vibrant, flavour-led take on the style, with bright citrus notes, caramel depth and a smooth bitterness. That’s Shepherd Neame’s description. We haven’t tasted it.
Building on Bishops Finger
Bishops Finger was first brewed in 1958 and was the first strong ale Shepherd Neame produced after 20 years of malt rationing. The IPA Reserve carries new branding developed with creative agency Thirst, building on the refreshed Bishops Finger identity the brand introduced in 2025.
“Bishops Finger remains one of the most popular beers in our portfolio,” said Mike Unsworth, Shepherd Neame’s director of brewing. “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.”
Unsworth added that the brewer has “an experienced and accomplished team behind all of our beers,” and called the launch “another excellent addition to our collection — and hopefully a Kentish classic in the making.” Shepherd Neame describes the original Bishops Finger as a Kentish Strong Ale, so the new beer sits beside it rather than replacing it.
Where to find Bishops Finger IPA Reserve
The announcement doesn’t give a release date, formats or pricing, and there’s no word on US availability. For now, it’s a UK launch.
If you want a stateside IPA in the meantime, our look at the Deschutes Hoptimist West Coast IPA label covers a 6.5% newcomer from Oregon.
A strong ale’s younger sibling
Shepherd Neame is betting that a 68-year-old strong ale’s name can sell a modern golden IPA. At 5.5%, it’s lighter than the brew it’s named after and aimed at drinkers who might never order a Kentish strong ale. We’ll add dates and formats when the brewer publishes them.
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