Hold a buttercup under your chin to get an idea of the colour that Shepherd Neame’s new release – Brilliant Ale – pours. Impossibly golden, with its halo of creamy foam, it’s a hugely enticing glass of beer.

Lured in further by the gorgeous fresh peach and honey aromas, when you finally stop looking at it and take a mouthful, it’s the biscuity sweetness of the malt striding to the fore that first catches your attention.

Yellow tropical fruits, especially grapefruit, appear next, soon joined by a gentle spicy note, before a sleek bitterness appears in the rear view mirror and breaks for the finish line. The fruit and bitter sweet flavour combination doesn’t stop until after a lap of honour to rapturous applause.

Brilliant Ale is a new take on an old summer ale recipe, part of the brewery’s historic Classic Collection. The balanced yet intense combo of pale malt and Cascade hops, wrapped in a creamy, melting marshmallow mouthfeel, really does capture the mood and essence of an English summer day.

Shepherd Neame – Drink Britain salutes you!

5.6% in 50cl bottle, available via independent retailers and online

4% on draught; available as the brewery’s September seasonal ale in its pubs; call ahead to confirm availability