Spitfire ale is brewed and bottled by Shepherd Neame Ltd, a renowned brewery located in Faversham, Kent, England. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of experiencing the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into producing this exceptional ale.
Shepherd Neame Ltd has a rich history dating back to 1698, making it one of the oldest breweries in Britain. Their commitment to quality and tradition is evident in every sip of Spitfire ale. The brewery, situated in the heart of the picturesque town of Faversham, is surrounded by lush hop gardens, which provide the key ingredient for their exceptional ales.
I have had the privilege of visiting Shepherd Neame's brewery and witnessing firsthand the meticulous brewing process. The attention to detail and passion exhibited by the brewers is truly inspiring. From selecting the finest ingredients to carefully monitoring the fermentation process, every step is executed with precision.
The brewing process begins with the selection of the finest malts and hops, ensuring the perfect balance of flavors. The malted barley is carefully milled and mixed with hot water to extract the sugars needed for fermentation. This mixture, known as the mash, is then transferred to the mash tun, where enzymes convert the starches into fermentable sugars.
After the mashing process, the liquid, now known as wort, is transferred to the kettle. Here, it is boiled and hops are added at different stages to impart bitterness, aroma, and flavor to the beer. The specific hop varieties used in Spitfire ale are carefully chosen to create a distinct and memorable taste.
Once the boiling is complete, the wort is rapidly cooled and transferred to fermentation vessels. Here, yeast is added, and the magic of fermentation begins. The yeast consumes the sugars in the wort, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide. This process typically takes several days, during which the beer develops its unique characteristics.
After fermentation, the beer is conditioned, allowing the flavors to mellow and harmonize. This period of maturation is crucial in achieving the desired taste and aroma profile of Spitfire ale. Once the beer has reached its optimal condition, it is carefully filtered and carbonated before being packaged into bottles or casks.
Shepherd Neame takes great pride in their brewing heritage and their commitment to quality. Each batch of Spitfire ale is subject to rigorous quality control measures to ensure consistency and excellence. The result is a beer that pays homage to the iconic Supermarine Spitfire, a symbol of British courage and resilience.
Spitfire ale is brewed and bottled by Shepherd Neame Ltd in Faversham, Kent, England. Their dedication to traditional brewing methods, the use of the finest ingredients, and their unwavering commitment to quality are evident in every sip of this exceptional ale.