Beer
Meantime reveals five-strong seasonal beer offer
Two well-known beers including Winter Sun have made the line-up alongside three new products including Lucky Hop (see boxout below for descriptions).
The range has been developed in a bid to reflect and stay ahead of current beer trends and to give customers new products to try throughout the year, according to the craft brewer.
Releasing the new brews as part of a seasonal line-up, according to Meantime, will allow it to find the next 'success story'.
New hop varieties
New hop varieties, including widely demanded American hops, have been used in brews such as the Cali Pale Ale, which is aimed at catering for the rising demand for hoppy pale ales.
Meantime marketing director Richard Myers, said: "This year is particularly special because we are introducing three new beers to our seasonal offering.
"We're looking forward to the return of some old favourites, but are equally excited to see the reaction of our three new additions."
Meanwhile, Meantime was acquired by SABMiller for an undisclosed amount last year. At the time, the global brewer said it would grow Meantime's beer sales nationally and look into exporting products too.
The five beer line-up:
- Cali Pale Ale (new)
Described as a sessionable golden beer, Cali Pale is brewed with the highest quality East Anglian pale malt. Dry, bready flavours are balanced with a touch of honey, tangerine and tropical fruit notes, which come from the US west coast hops that are added during the boiling process.
ABV: 5%
- Meridian Lager (new)
This beer has a pale straw colour, which comes from the German-style Pilsner malt used in the lager's production process. Traditional ingredients are combined with modern craft brewing techniques. Mandarin, honeydew melon and strawberry aromas and flavours come from the use of the intensely fruity German hop, while more traditional hops are used to gain a slight bitterness, which gives the lager a clean and dry finish.
ABV: 5%
- Lucky Hop (new)
Lucky Hop is a single-hoped ale that is targeted towards summer trade. Strong hop flavours and aromas are combined with a clean bitterness and a hint of malt. There is also a distinct citrus and tropical fruit aroma, which comes from a new hop variety called Yellow Sub.
The ale is cold matured for six weeks to mellow the full and complex flavours of the malt, hops and yeast. Overall, this is a crisp, dry beer that finishes with a lingering bitterness.
ABV: 4.4%
- Fest Bier (return)
Deep gold tones reflect the autumnal colours of the season Fest Bier is being targeted at. The beer is brewed in line with traditional Bavarian techniques and is made with malt and yeast.
ABV: 5.6%
- Winter Sun (return)
Spicy and floral flavours, which come from Hallertau and Hersbrucker hops, make Winter Sun ideal for winter drinking in front of the open fire on a chilly evening. European and American hops are also combined in this brew to give it a distinctive fresh and fruity aroma.
ABV: 5.9%
