Balfour Winery at Hush Heath Estate in Staplehurst, deep in Kent’s hop country, has launched two new beers: Jake’s Lager and Jake’s IPA.

They form part of the Jake’s Drinks range alongside Jake’s Kentish Cider, Jake’s Orchard Cider and Jake’s Tree Apple Juice.

The can designs illustrate their heritage on enticingly-texturised labels. Within, are craft beers lovingly created by the Estate’s Balfour winemaking team, father and son Owen and Fergus Elias.

Although recent emphasis has been on innovative winemaking, Owen Elias has 20 years experience making renowned craft beers.

Combining his knowledge with the expertise of Cellarhead, a local Kent brewery with a growing reputation, results in traditional beers with a modern, English twist.

Jake’s Lager, crafted from a Kentish hop, Ernest, with a complex apricot and citrus flavour and blended with an American classic Sterling, that brings earthy spices with citrus fruit elements.

Proving that patience is a virtue, the lager remains in tank for three months to allow the rich flavours to develop. The result is a bright pilsner style lager with a fresh caramel aroma followed by the taste of lemon rind and hints of sweetness from the malts.

Jake’s IPA a blend of three Kent hops, one classic, one modern and one almost forgotten. East Kent Golding, a Kent classic with lavender, thyme and honey on the nose, and a slightly bitter taste; Boadicea, a modern hop with delicate orchard blossom aromas; and Bramling, popular in the 1800s with smoothening aromatic qualities.

This dark amber IPA with a delicate creamy head shows smooth, nutty flavours from the malt blend, developing into a light-bodied bitterness. A delightful session beer.

Jake Balfour-Lynn, who manages the beer and cider arm of Balfour Winery commented: “The goal over the last six months of recipe developing is reconnecting.

“Reconnecting with friends and family in person and being able to share good times with a quality drink. We are excited to share our beers, excited to start working with our new distributors Matthew Clark and excited for the future.”

Balfour Winery’s co-founders Richard and Leslie Balfour-Lynn explain their philosophy: “Our family-run estate lies in 400 acres of pristine Kent countryside, so it is important for us to make the very best of the local produce.

“The Jake’s Drinks (@jakesdrinks)cider range, named after our son, shows what can be achieved from our own apple orchards. Now we have two very special beers, crafted by our award-winning Balfour Winery team and some brilliant local brewers, to add to our portfolio.”