Brewery: Meantime Brewing Company
Location: Greenwich, London, England
ABV: 5.0% (Wheat) and 6.3% (Wheat Grand Cru)
Version: 330ml bottles

Another couple from the chaps at Meantime, only one of which is listed on their website. Presented once again in their characteristic 330ml bottle the labelling on the Grand Cru is very subtle. The Wheat part is clearly stated on both versions but you need to check below that for the words Grand Cru, and it’s an important distinction to make as they’re two completely different brews.

First up is the straight ahead Wheat beer. Brewed in the Bavarian style it’s a cloudy light golden colour  with an initally frothy head. The aroma is typical wheat beer, with notes of banana and toffee. The subsequent taste is of more banana, fruit, and a touch of bitterness providing a slightly sharp zing on the tongue, which I found at odds with the rest of the flavours, and quite a dry mouthfeel. Overall, a reasonable take on the style but  I was disappointed with this one. According to Rate Beer this is the same beer that is available from Sainsburys under the Taste The Difference Bavarian Style Wheat Beer label.

Then I tried the Grand Cru. And as I said in the first paragraph this is a completely different beast. Again it pours a light and cloudy golden colour but with a thick frothy head which quickly subsides. The smell is of a hoppy wheat beer with a hint of spices. The flavour is very fruity, slightly bitter and very smooth, not dry like the standard wheat beer. The alcohol is well balanced and provides some warmth to the flavours, and the whole thing ends with a light citrusy finish. A very fine wheat beer indeed, one of the best I’ve had. I just hope it’s absence from the Meantime website doesn’t mean it’s been discontinued.