Kent brewer Shepherd Neame’s award-winning Christmas Ale is back just in time for the festive season.

A pub favourite for more than a decade, the full-bodied winter ale blends pale and crystal malts with Target, Challenger and Goldings hops to give warming notes of mulled fruits and spices, with a heady, sweet aroma.

The seasonal ale has received a number of accolades in recent years, most recently gold medals in the International Brewing and Cider Awards and British Bottlers’ Institute Competition, and a silver in the International Beer Challenge.

Brewer Scott Wilkins said: “We are excited to bring back this complex beer, perfect to be savoured on a long winter night.”

Christmas Ale (5 per cent ABV) will be available on draught throughout December in selected Shepherd Neame pubs across Kent, London and the South East. It is also available in 500ml bottles at seven per cent from Shepherd Neame’s brewery shop.