Beer brewer Shepherd Neame has launched a limited edition ale to commemorate the 100th anniversary of its wooden Mash Tuns – the last remaining in Britain.

The solid oak containers are one of the traditional methods used by the beer maker at its headquarters in Faversham, with its oldest installed a century ago.

Since it began production in 1914, it has made more than a billion pints of Kentish ale, which has been honoured in typical fashion.

The master brewers have created Mash Tun No.1, a traditional grist mix of six malts – pale, crystal, amber, brown, chocolate and malted wheat.

The beer is balanced with hops from Kent and North America to make a full-bodied, malty brew with “hints of toffee and dried fruits, lightened by top notes of spice and citrus”.

Only 5,000 bottles have been made of the 7.4% ale, each handwrapped in tissue paper and encased in a wooden box bearing the signature approval of brewery president Robert ‘Bobby’ Neame.

Head brewer Richard Frost said: “Mash Tun No.1 has brewed over a billion pints of Kentish ale since being introduced to the brewery in 1914.

“We think that’s something worth celebrating, much like this remarkable beer. In honour of its role in the brewing process, this beer has a touch more malt character than the typical Kentish ale you would expect from Shepherd Neame.”

Mash Tun No.1 ale is available from the brewery shop at £13.99.