Britain’s oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame, has teamed up with Kent Crisps to launch new Beef Brisket & Stout Flavour crisps.

The hand-cooked crisp pairs the rich, savoury flavours of beef brisket with the roasted malt character of Shepherd Neame’s Iron Wharf Stout. The dark, ruby-tinted nitro stout (4% ABV), launched last April, takes its name from Faversham’s historic wharf, where thousands of vessels were once crafted and launched alongside the brewery.

Reflecting a shared commitment to provenance and local collaboration, the design for the new crisps also celebrate Kent’s maritime heritage, with HMS Cavalier – located at The Historic Dockyard Chatham – featured as the front-of-pack partner.

 To mark the collaboration, an official launch event took place onboard HMS Gannet at The Historic Dockyard Chatham yesterday (Wednesday, April 29). It was attended by invited guests from across the food, drink and hospitality sectors, alongside several Naval veterans.

Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame, Kent Crisps owner Laura Bounds MBE, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust CEO Richard Morsley

 Shepherd Neame chief executive, Jonathan Neame, said: “At Shepherd Neame, we’re passionate about creating beers that reflect both our heritage and our spirit of innovation, so collaborating with Kent Crisps on this new flavour has been a natural fit. Iron Wharf Stout was inspired by Faversham’s shipbuilding past, and it’s been exciting to see its rich, roasted character brought to life in a completely new way. This partnership is a great example of how local producers can come together to create something distinctive that celebrates the very best of Kent.”

It isn’t the first collaboration between the two Kent-based businesses, as more than a decade ago, they created a popular crisp flavour combining roast beef with Shepherd Neame’s award-winning Spitfire Amber Ale.

Kent Crisps owner, Laura Bounds MBE, said: “We’re thrilled to be launching our new Beef Brisket & Stout Flavour crisps which represents months of hard work by the team and our partners. The launch marks one of our most significant and exciting partnerships to date. Our ethos has always been to champion the very best of Kent, from exceptional local producers to the county’s world-class visitor destinations and this launch brings all those elements together in a way that truly reflects our values – I couldn’t be prouder.”

The new addition is the eighth flavour in the Kent Crisps range – joining favourites such as Ashmore Cheese and Onion and Sea Salt & Vinegar with Biddenden Cider – and marks the brand’s first new product launch since 2021.

Produced using Red Tractor Assured British potatoes, the crisps are hand-cooked for premium quality and texture, and are free from MSG and the top 14 allergens.

Beef Brisket & Stout Flavour crisps are available now in selected Shepherd Neame pubs.