Whitstable Bay 0.5% pale ale launched

INDEPENDENT FAMILY BREWER SHEPHERD NEAME LAUNCHES NEW WHITSTABLE BAY 0.5% PALE ALE

Independent family brewer Shepherd Neame has expanded its award-winning Whitstable Bay range with the launch of Whitstable Bay 0.5% Pale Ale, a refreshing new low alcohol beer.

The latest permanent addition to the Whitstable Bay collection has been crafted to meet growing consumer demand for high-quality no and low alcohol options, while staying true to the brand’s distinctive coastal character. Named after the Kent seaside town of Whitstable, the range has been a popular choice among beer drinkers for more than a decade. 

Available in 500ml bottles, Whitstable Bay 0.5% Pale Ale combines four varieties of hops – Challenger, Jester, Mosaic and Amarillo – to create vibrant citrus notes and a crisp, refreshing finish.

It also introduces a fresh take on the range’s distinctive branding, which was reimagined for Whitstable Pale Ale and Whitstable Lager last year. Featuring dark blue accents on the neck and front label alongside cool, silver tones, the design creates a distinctive presence while remaining instantly recognisable as part of the collection. 

A striking new hero image also brings to life another aspect of the iconic coastal town.

Shepherd Neame Head of Brands, Rose Davis, said: “We’re incredibly excited to introduce this new beer. Developed in response to the increasing popularity of no and low alcohol beers, we believe Whitstable Bay 0.5% Pale Ale offers broad appeal for both ale and lager drinkers.

“Brewed using four vibrant hop varieties, it delivers a refreshing and uncompromising flavour. We’re looking forward to seeing customers to enjoy it.”

Shepherd Neame partnered with global creative agency, Thirst, to deliver the branding for the new beer.

Matt Burns, Executive Creative Director and Co-Founder, Thirst Craft, said: “The growth of NoLo beer is one of the most exciting shifts we’ve seen in the category for years. Consumers increasingly expect the same quality, character and brand experience regardless of alcohol content.

“As a long-standing partner to Shepherd Neame, our role was to ensure Whitstable Bay 0.5% Pale Ale felt instantly recognisable, carrying all the charm, heritage and coastal character of the parent brand while giving it the confidence to stand out in a rapidly evolving space.”

Whitstable Bay 0.5% Pale Ale is now available at selected Shepherd Neame sites.

This is the fourth recent addition to the portfolio of Britain’s oldest brewer, following the successful rebrand of its popular First Drop Session IPA (4.3%), and the introduction of two new permanent beers: Iron Wharf Stout (4%) and Creekside Juicy IPA (4%).