PubsandBeer

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Shepherd Neame Early Bird

PubAddressLast Visit Seen
Woolpack InnBrookland, Kent26 May 2018
ParrotCanterbury, Kent25 May 2018
Duke of CumberlandWhitstable, Kent23 Apr 2018
Railway HotelFaversham, Kent19 Apr 2018
Neptunes HallBroadstairs, Kent11 Apr 2018
The Willow WalkVictoria, Central London27 Mar 2018
The John Logie BairdHastings, East Sussex25 Mar 2018
Bucks HeadGoddens Green, Kent24 Feb 2018
Kings HeadShadoxhurst, Kent19 May 2016
The Mermaid InnBishopsbourne, Kent07 May 2016
The Globe InnHythe, Kent15 Mar 2016
The CrownBlackheath, Greater London16 Jun 2015
Plough & HarrowBridge, Kent28 Apr 2015
The ShakespeareCanterbury, Kent26 Apr 2015
The Spanish GalleonGreenwich, Greater London08 Apr 2015
The SwanMaidstone, Kent06 Apr 2015
The Zetland ArmsKingsdown, Kent02 Apr 2015
New Flying HorseWye, Kent11 Mar 2015
Dover Castle InnTeynham, Kent10 Jun 2014
The Gate InnMarshside, Kent09 Jun 2014
Ye Olde PumphouseHastings, East Sussex20 May 2014
The CrownUpchurch, Kent14 May 2014
The ArtichokeChartham, Kent12 May 2014
ChequersWalthamstow, Greater London10 May 2014
The Brickmaker's ArmsMaidstone, Kent03 May 2014
The Limes (formerly Chimney Boy)Faversham, Kent10 Apr 2014
Dog & Bear HotelLenham, Kent25 Mar 2014
Princess of PrussiaAldgate, Central London21 Mar 2014
The SportsmanSeasalter, Kent20 Mar 2014
The Vine InnTenterden, Kent20 Mar 2014
Betsey TrotwoodClerkenwell, Central London10 Mar 2014
Hoop & GrapesFarringdon, Central London10 Mar 2014
Wagon & HorsesCharing, Kent03 Jun 2013
Trafalgar TavernGreenwich, Greater London12 May 2013
Bricklayers ArmsShepherdswell, Kent09 Mar 2013
Ye Olde BeverlieCanterbury, Kent01 Mar 2013
Memphis Bar (formerly The Oranges)Ashford, Kent14 Apr 2012
The DragoonMaidstone, Kent08 Apr 2012
Bell HotelSandwich, Kent20 Mar 2012
The Cock InnBoughton Monchelsea, Kent15 Mar 2012
The Crayford ArmsCrayford, Greater London10 Mar 2012
Mabel's TavernEuston, Central London27 Feb 2012
The Belle VueRamsgate, Kent29 May 2011
Rose & CrownHalstead, Kent03 May 2011
The Yeoman (formerly Lion of Kent; Kentish Yeoman).Bearsted, Kent30 Apr 2011
White HartCanterbury, Kent25 Apr 2011
The FoxMaidstone, Kent22 Apr 2011
GreyhoundBoundary, Leicestershire18 Apr 2011
Joiners ArmsWest Malling, Kent07 Apr 2011
The Castle HotelEynsford, Kent02 Apr 2011
King William IVBenenden, Kent03 Jun 2010
The Woolpack InnBenover, Kent23 May 2010
The Millers ArmsCanterbury, Kent10 Apr 2010
Prince Albert (Rose's)Woolwich, Greater London20 Mar 2010
The AnchorFaversham, Kent02 May 2009
The Bear InnFaversham, Kent02 May 2009
The Bishops FingerCanterbury, Kent03 Apr 2009
The Tiger InnStowting, Kent13 Mar 2009
Prince of WalesHerne Bay, Kent23 Jun 2008
The RoyalTankerton, Kent05 May 2008
The Saxon ShoreHerne Bay, Kent12 Apr 2008
Rose & CrownElham, Kent01 Apr 2007
Philharmonic Dining RoomsLiverpool, Merseyside23 Mar 2007
The DispensaryLiverpool, Merseyside21 Mar 2007
The Samuel PetoFolkestone, Kent15 May 2006
The County HotelAshford, Kent14 May 2006
The Griffins HeadChillenden, Kent02 May 2005
Deal HoyDeal, Kent16 Apr 2005
Clarendon InnSandgate, Kent07 Mar 2005

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.

Woolpack Inn, Brookland, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Stephen HarrisAcceptable26 May 2018 Routine.

Parrot, Canterbury, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AndrewAcceptable25 May 2018 I suspect this was just about to turn
Martin the MildmanNot Tried26 Mar 2011
BrianAcceptable15 Mar 2011 Bit sulphourous on the nose. OK, clean and fresh taste. Slight bitterness, but overwhelming sulphour.

Duke of Cumberland, Whitstable, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
ChrisENot Tried23 Apr 2018
ChrisENot Tried01 May 2013

Railway Hotel, Faversham, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Philip PirripNot Tried19 Apr 2018
Philip PirripNot Tried02 Apr 2014 I could find no abv on the pump clip - most unusual
Philip PirripAcceptable19 Mar 2013 Surprised to find a 60p pp premium price over Master Brew Bitter

Neptunes Hall, Broadstairs, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Philip PirripNot Tried11 Apr 2018
BlairAcceptable02 Apr 2012 Yeah, ok.
BlairPoor16 Mar 2012 Very sweet, ruined the beer really.
BlairGood21 Apr 2009 Sweet and hoppy with a fair amount of caramel. Very drinkable although it became a little cloying towards the end.

The Willow Walk, Victoria, Central London

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Philip PirripNot Tried27 Mar 2018 New grey and white upright rectangle pumpclip headed "Small Brews". Not fooling anyone

The John Logie Baird, Hastings, East Sussex

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Stephen HarrisNot Tried25 Mar 2018

Bucks Head, Goddens Green, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
WittendenAcceptable24 Feb 2018 Bit of a metallic after-taste.

Kings Head, Shadoxhurst, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
ChrisEGood19 May 2016
ChrisENot Tried11 Jun 2015 This ran out.

The Mermaid Inn, Bishopsbourne, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AndrewGood07 May 2016 Nice
AndrewExcellent22 Mar 2014 Excellent condition. Hint of rose and geranium. Nice leafy finish. Quaffable stuff.
AndrewGood02 May 2011 Good condition. Hint of twigglet in the aroma but good early bird hops in it. A good Shep's seasonal.
BrianExcellent24 May 2008 First and only excellent of the day. Clear, light brown, thin creamy lasting head. Refreshing hop and light bitterness.
AndrewExcellent29 Apr 2006 An excellent pint. A tight composition of milky smooth malt with well ballanced hops

The Globe Inn, Hythe, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
ChrisEGood15 Mar 2016

The Crown, Blackheath, Greater London

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Philip PirripNot Tried16 Jun 2015
Philip PirripExcellent12 Mar 2014 Could see no abv on clip. Rather good beer though with a zingy hoppiness

Plough & Harrow, Bridge, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Jack WilliamGood28 Apr 2015
MickAcceptable23 May 2010 OK, but life is to short to drink mediocre ( and expensive) beer
BrianGood24 May 2008 Same beer line up as the Mermaid but not quite as good, not a lot in it though.

The Shakespeare, Canterbury, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Jack WilliamNot Tried26 Apr 2015

The Spanish Galleon, Greenwich, Greater London

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Magnus GreelNot Tried08 Apr 2015

The Swan, Maidstone, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
ChrisENot Tried06 Apr 2015
TobesNot Tried09 Mar 2014
AlenomoreExcellent18 Apr 2010 Served in tip top condition.
IanGood11 Apr 2010 Everything the pint I had at the Miller's Arms the night before wasn't. Hoppy, great condition and lasting hoppy finish.
AlenomoreExceptional11 Apr 2010 Two pints served in top condition.
AlenomoreExceptional05 Apr 2010 Serverd, as ever, in top condition.
AlenomoreExceptional01 Apr 2010 It's back, Shep's spring seasonal offering! One of Shep's best ales and served in tip top condition tonite.
PedroNot Tried30 Mar 2010
ChrisEGood13 Mar 2010 This was getting towards the end of the cask, but was still in good condition.
PedroNot Tried22 May 2009
PedroNot Tried20 May 2009
PedroExcellent11 May 2009 very nice condition
IanGood19 Mar 2005 Mid brown spring beer. Good citrusy fruit with light malts and Sheps yeast on nose. Good hoppy bitter finish

The Zetland Arms, Kingsdown, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Jack WilliamGood02 Apr 2015
AndrewGood03 May 2014 Good fresh syrupy hoppy Early Bird.

New Flying Horse, Wye, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
TrevorGood11 Mar 2015 Good condition and a fresh taste.
TrevorNot Tried21 May 2014
AndrewGood14 Apr 2012 Good condition and I could happily have drank it all night, but it's still not as powerful as it used to be in terms of the hops.
TrevorExcellent13 May 2011 Refreshing drink.
WittendenExcellent27 Mar 2010 First time I've seen this so far this year. Clean tasting with a pronounced hoppy bite.
TrevorGood25 Feb 2009 Light, crisp and very pleasant ale.
IanAcceptable08 Apr 2007 Not enough hops especially on the finish.
AndrewAcceptable08 Apr 2007 Not sure if Shep's are having ingredient problems but the hops in this were as mottled as those in the Master Brew I'd just had in the Kings Head. I've certainly had much better pints of this in the past.

Dover Castle Inn, Teynham, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AndrewGood10 Jun 2014 Nice early bird

The Gate Inn, Marshside, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
BaymartNot Tried09 Jun 2014
IanNot Tried29 May 2005
AndrewNot Tried16 May 2005

Ye Olde Pumphouse, Hastings, East Sussex

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Philip PirripGood20 May 2014

The Crown, Upchurch, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Philip PirripNot Tried14 May 2014

The Artichoke, Chartham, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Jack WilliamExcellent12 May 2014 I'm not a great Shep's fan - but this was in excellent condition, fresh and hoppy. Worthy of a 4.

Chequers, Walthamstow, Greater London

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Stephen HarrisNot Tried10 May 2014

The Brickmaker's Arms, Maidstone, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
TobesExcellent03 May 2014 On the money.
DosserNot Tried27 Apr 2014 £3.20
TobesExcellent26 Apr 2014
PedroNot Tried29 Apr 2013

The Limes (formerly Chimney Boy), Faversham, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Philip PirripNot Tried10 Apr 2014

Dog & Bear Hotel, Lenham, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
WittendenGood25 Mar 2014 Hoppy, but had an undertone.
WittendenAcceptable26 Mar 2013 A few hops in there somewhere.

Princess of Prussia, Aldgate, Central London

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Stephen HarrisGood21 Mar 2014 Very short measure. Amber-coloured and quite pleasant, with nice hop flavours.

The Sportsman, Seasalter, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
TrevorAcceptable20 Mar 2014

The Vine Inn, Tenterden, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
ChrisEGood20 Mar 2014
ChrisEGood24 Apr 2013 Very well kept.
oz11Good18 Jun 2011
IanGood12 Mar 2011 very good beer

Betsey Trotwood, Clerkenwell, Central London

WhoScoreWhenNotes
ChrisEGood10 Mar 2014

Hoop & Grapes, Farringdon, Central London

WhoScoreWhenNotes
ChrisENot Tried10 Mar 2014 Coming Soon.

Wagon & Horses, Charing, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
TrevorGood03 Jun 2013 Refreshing flavour
AndrewExcellent31 May 2013 Zingy with hints of lemon and straw and grass.

Trafalgar Tavern, Greenwich, Greater London

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Stephen HarrisNot Tried12 May 2013

Bricklayers Arms, Shepherdswell, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Philip PirripNot Tried09 Mar 2013

Ye Olde Beverlie, Canterbury, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
KenNot Tried01 Mar 2013 Pump clip says coming soon.

Memphis Bar (formerly The Oranges), Ashford, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
ChrisEGood14 Apr 2012
IanAcceptable21 Apr 2006 Bit dull and lifeless to be honest, not as good as it was on Monday when I was here. Sheps yeast in evidence but not the crispness of the hops. I was sat reading my mail listening to the jazz. Very relaxing
IanGood17 Apr 2006 Copper colour with thin off white head. Sheps yeast and resiny hop aroma. Some tangerine zest. Good in mouth with more hoppy zesty orange citrus fruit. Good dryness on end with some malty juicyness. Good beer.

The Dragoon, Maidstone, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
PedroExceptional08 Apr 2012 Just £2-50/pint
PedroExceptional08 Apr 2012 Just £2-50/pint

Bell Hotel, Sandwich, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
ChrisEGood20 Mar 2012

The Cock Inn, Boughton Monchelsea, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
PedroNot Tried15 Mar 2012 £3-60 /pint
PedroExcellent24 Mar 2011

The Crayford Arms, Crayford, Greater London

WhoScoreWhenNotes
ChrisEGood10 Mar 2012

Mabel's Tavern, Euston, Central London

WhoScoreWhenNotes
Stephen HarrisAcceptable27 Feb 2012 Pale beer with a rather soapy feel and some hop character.

The Belle Vue, Ramsgate, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
BlairGood29 May 2011 Light, a little hoppy and a bit of syrup I quite liked it.

Rose & Crown, Halstead, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
PedroNot Tried03 May 2011

The Yeoman (formerly Lion of Kent; Kentish Yeoman)., Bearsted, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
PedroNot Tried30 Apr 2011

White Hart, Canterbury, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
BlairNot Tried25 Apr 2011
BrianNot Tried27 Feb 2009 Good to see it on, but I'd already started on the cider and so stuck to the Scrumpy Jack.
AndrewGood23 May 2008 Nice and refreshing with some hoppyness and good fresh malt.

The Fox, Maidstone, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
PedroNot Tried22 Apr 2011

Greyhound, Boundary, Leicestershire

WhoScoreWhenNotes
GarryPoor18 Apr 2011 I knew I wouldn't like this before I tried it, but gave it ago, I found it unpleasant. I don't reallylike Shepherd Neame beers (sorry Kent crew), and was sold by the promise of an early hopped beer with a golden glint, which it was not.

Joiners Arms, West Malling, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
PedroNot Tried07 Apr 2011

The Castle Hotel, Eynsford, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
PedroNot Tried02 Apr 2011

King William IV, Benenden, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
PedroNot Tried03 Jun 2010 This had run out

The Woolpack Inn, Benover, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
PedroNot Tried23 May 2010

The Millers Arms, Canterbury, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
IanPoor10 Apr 2010 Comedically poor in its condition. I'd be embarrassed to serve a beer is this bad a state.
AndrewPoor10 Apr 2010 No condition at all leaving this usually good beer tasting like soapy dish water. It wasn't off; just poor.

Prince Albert (Rose's), Woolwich, Greater London

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AlenomoreExcellent20 Mar 2010 Surprised at seeing this here these days, and on good form too.

The Anchor, Faversham, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AndrewAcceptable02 May 2009 Been wanting to have this all year but never seen it until now. It was okay but a bit soapy.

The Bear Inn, Faversham, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AndrewGood02 May 2009 Much better than the one at the Anchor earlier. Fresh and zingy.

The Bishops Finger, Canterbury, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
BlairNot Tried03 Apr 2009
BrianNot Tried23 Mar 2007
BrianNot Tried17 Mar 2007

The Tiger Inn, Stowting, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
IanAcceptable13 Mar 2009 My first pint of this beer, this year. Got an almost white wine grape hop aroma. Slight yeast. Not a huge bite of hop on the finish. OK drinking bitter.
IanNot Tried06 May 2005
IanGood02 Apr 2005 Light brown colour, typical Sheps yeasty nose, with citric fruit flavour and citric hop finish

Prince of Wales, Herne Bay, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AndrewGood23 Jun 2008 Good condition. Quite drinkable. Not as punchy as I recall from a few years back.
AndrewNot Tried14 Jun 2008
AndrewGood31 May 2008 In good condition. Still not as crisp as a few years ago.
AndrewAcceptable11 Apr 2008 Some lemony hops. Quite drinkable but perhaps getting to the end of the barrel.
AndrewExcellent29 Mar 2008 Not quite what I remembered it to taste like but excellent none the less. Candy and rose petals (see what I mean) with a good, though short lived, hop finish

The Royal, Tankerton, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AndrewGood05 May 2008 I liked this. Fresh, fruity (mellon and apple) with caramel and a hint of marmite. Good session beer.

The Saxon Shore, Herne Bay, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AndrewNot Tried12 Apr 2008

Rose & Crown, Elham, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
DavidAcceptable01 Apr 2007 An average beer at best, much like most of Shep's offerings. Fairly lifeless and served just a bit too cold.

Philharmonic Dining Rooms, Liverpool, Merseyside

WhoScoreWhenNotes
IanNot Tried23 Mar 2007

The Dispensary, Liverpool, Merseyside

WhoScoreWhenNotes
IanNot Tried21 Mar 2007

The Samuel Peto, Folkestone, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
IanNot Tried15 May 2006

The County Hotel, Ashford, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
IanNot Tried14 May 2006

The Griffins Head, Chillenden, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AndrewAcceptable02 May 2005 Astringently hoppy but slighly tired. Good pale amber colour but I've had better pints of Early Bird this year
IanPoor02 May 2005 Pale brown. Slightly citric nose, bit thin, citric hoppy finish. Coming to the end of the season for this ale

Deal Hoy, Deal, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
AndrewGood16 Apr 2005 A sweet hoppy pint with a hint of caramel

Clarendon Inn, Sandgate, Kent

WhoScoreWhenNotes
IanGood07 Mar 2005 Mid brown. Sheps yeast nose, citrus fruit and mild bitterness on finish. Very fresh finish
IanGood12 Feb 2005 Light brown beer with lots of fresh hops on the nose and citrus flavour throughout with the typical Shepherd Neame yeast flavour coming through
MartinAcceptable22 May 2004 OK, but not really to my taste. A bit vague.

Shepherd Neame Early Bird

4.30% ABV.

We have tried this beer 83 times.

We have given this beer an average score of Acceptable to Good.

Other Shepherd Neame beers.