Meantime launches first cask ale

London-based brewer Meantime has launched its first cask ale after 10 years of focusing on bottle conditioned beers.

The 4.3% abv London Pale Ale will be the first Meantime beer to be continuously available as a cask beer.

The new brew will be subject to a 28 day maturation process, which helps to enhance the hoppiness of the beer. In total, six different hops are used in the brewing process.

"Many people think of Meantime as keg beer brewers or lager brewers," said Meantime founder Alastair Hook.

"In truth we are just brewers. We have merely taken the view that if the beer is properly brewed to the highest standards then the method of dispense is a minor aspect of the characterisation of a beer.

"A number of changes in the market have shown us that the time is now right for Meantime to add cask to its portfolio.

"Until recently there was very little free trade in London, this is changing.

The Society of Independent Brewers Direct Delivery Scheme, the changing attitudes of pub companies, plus the sale of pubs are all helping by brining a broader range of beers to the consumer.

"In addition Youngs' shameful abandonment of London and Londoners has created a space for beers with genuine London provenance."