Shivering Sands Searchlight IPA

Tasting Summary

These comments are the opinion of the individual reviewer and represent what they thought of the beer on a particular day in a particular pub. If a review is less favourable, it may be because the beer suffered somewhere in the supply chain between them and the brewery.

Albion Inn (formerly The Hogs Head; The Little Albion Inn), Broadstairs, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Hogan Sampling		25 Jul 2026	Came with very good head and lasting lacing on this golden English India Pale Ale from local microbrewery, Shivering Sands, which began commercial brewing in 2020 at Maple Leaf Business Park, Manston, Kent, situated just outside the airfield near Ramsgate, and the brewery’s name paying tribute to the Shivering Sands Army Fort, one of the historic World War II Maunsell sea-forts located north of Herne Bay in the Thames Estuary. A dry hoppy first hit from its English hops. These are likely to be a mix of East Kent Goldings, often sourced locally from Kentish farms like Syndale Farm, aiding an earthy and mildly bitter foundation, with floral hints of lavender and thyme mixed with a hint of honey, and Fuggles or Challenger, aiding a spiciness and hints of pine and woodiness. A gentle dried fruitiness rising with hints of pine, citrus and spice. A subtle maltiness climbing up from its Maris Otter Barley, the premium English pale ale malt lending the ale apart from its golden-amber hue, its biscuit and bready flavours, and Caramel and Crystal Malts aiding its sweetness. A fruited hoppiness winning over and a prevailing hoppy bitterness lingering. Served with excellent conditioning.

Shivering Sands Brewery & Tap Room, Manston, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Andrew		06 Jun 2026	Served from a cask behind the bar at the brewery. Great condition. Golden yellow colour and very drinkable.

The Brickfield Micropub, Swalecliffe, Kent

The Freed Man, Walmer, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Jack William		09 May 2024	A lovely pint.

The Hovelling Boat Inn, Ramsgate, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Philip Pirrip		09 Dec 2023	Full of bitterness, very moreish. Had a distinctive old-time beer smell rarely encountered these days