Shepherd Neame has announced the return of its popular real ale initiative Cask Club next month, kicking off with Maverick.

A bright golden ale, Maverick (3.4 per cent) offers sweet, malty notes with a sublime combination of floral, citrus and tropical fruit aromas, courtesy of the US Centennial hops used in the mash tuns, and the three new and experimental UK hops – Ernest, Olicana and Jester – used for dry hopping.

It’s not just the flavours but also the look of Cask Club that takes a fresh approach, with new designs bringing to life the original stories of Britain’s oldest brewer and its unique Kentish roots.

Maverick is named after the pioneering founder of the Faversham brewery. In 1675, Richard Marsh set up one of the first brewhouses in the Shepherd Neame-owned Artichoke pub in Chartham, Kent before purchasing the Shepherd Neame brewery in 1698.

Director of brewing Mike Unsworth said: “We are excited to celebrate a range of modern styles and flavours with our new beers, while bringing to life the stories of our brewery and its surroundings.

“We look forward to encouraging more people to try and enjoy what we believe is one of the best drinks in the world, at the same time showcasing some of our seasonal favourites.”

To celebrate the launch of this year’s initiative, drinkers are invited to enjoy a free pint of cask ale at participating Shepherd Neame pubs in its first Cask Club Beer Festival, which will run from 13-26 February.