UK: Kentish brewers are calling on their knowledge to make a draught version of Asahi Super Dry

A team of Kentish brewers are calling on all their knowledge and experience to make a draught version of Asahi Super Dry that lives up to the high standards of the Japanese company's world-beating bottled beer and woos the UK market, Shepherd Neame announced on November 18 .

Faversham speciality brewers Shepherd Neame began producing 5% abv Asahi Super Dry on licence for the UK market in September, packaged in 30 litre kegs, 330ml and 500ml bottles.

Hiroshi Kimura, based in Prague, where Asahi is produced under licence for the rest of Europe, has spent a lot of time in Kent making sure the product lives up to the Japanese giant's exacting standards, both in terms of methods and ingredients.

Shepherd Neame production and distribution director Ian Dixon said: "With their bottled beer, Asahi are peerless but we felt we were able to offer assistance when it came to keg dispense and presentation."

Head brewer David Holmes and Ian Barsby, trade quality services manager, have worked with Kimura to create a draught version of Asahi Super Dry that will be rolled out to selected outlets throughout the UK over the coming months. The beer will be dispensed at a "super-cool" 3C, rather than the 7C to 8C used previously.

The result is a smoother, cleaner taste that enhances the subtle flavours of the beer and makes it more drinkable.

Serving this up in a glass that's just come out the dishwasher or has been sitting in a warm bar will increase the temperature and ruin the flavour. To counter this, outlets are installing state-of-the-art glass refreshing equipment which uses a jet of chilled water to cool the inside of a glass, bringing its temperature down to the required 3C.

"As well as chilling the glass and beer, it's a bit of theatre that appeals to the customer," says Ian Dixon. "Then, when it is served in sophisticated, branded glassware, the customer knows they are drinking a premium product."

Asahi Super Dry, which retails at around £3, is seen as a prestige beer and the brewers are looking for commitment from outlets that Asahi Super Dry will only be served to the highest standard.

David Holmes said: "Asahi saw our reputation for good lager. They recognised that we are a speciality brewer with the ability to brew unique products."

E-malt.com, the global information source for the brewing and malting industry professionals. The bi-weekly E-malt.com Newsletters feature latest industry news, statistics in graphs and tables, world barley and malt prices, and other relevant information. Click here to get full access to E-malt.com. If you are a Castle Malting client, you can get free access to E-malt.com website and publications. Contact us for more information at marketing@castlemalting.com .