The long-awaited 2004 Coopers Extra Strong Vintage Ale, described by Coopers' beer makers as the best yet, has been released through exclusive bars and hotels around Australia .
Coopers chairman and marketing director Glenn Cooper says the 2004 Vintage Ale features new packaging with a picture of the brewery's founder, Thomas Cooper, on the front label and neck foil.
The release is a continuation of the Vintage series, which is improving with time.
Coopers managing director and chief brewer, Dr Tim Cooper, says this year's Vintage Ale, which has a hefty 7.5 per cent alcohol by volume, has excellent drinking qualities.
It is the product of brewing with a selection of barley and wheat malt and specially coloured malts which provide a strong malt character, he says. This is balanced by a triple hopping with Hersbrucker, Cascade and Pride of Ringwood hops.
The ale was pitched with a double pitching of two yeast strains and underwent an extended primary fermentation. It was then pitched again with specially nurtured yeast, which has been vitalised to enable longevity of bottle conditioning.
The result is a Vintage Ale with a smooth taste profile and robust character which derives from our complementary malt and hop choices and shows the benefit of what we have learned over the past four vintages.
Dr Cooper says it takes particular skill to coax yeast to make very strong beers and to produce ales that are not excessively rich and cloying. The beer would age well and could be enjoyed after prolonged storage.
Stored under cool cellar conditions, Coopers Vintage will become more complex and interesting in flavour for up to two years or more, rewarding the patient drinker with a truly distinctive beer, he says.
Even after one year, it may develop in aroma, roundness and balance, finally developing a creamy-fruity aroma with a honeyed palate.
Coopers Extra Strong Vintage Ale was first released in 1998 and sold out within five days. Other brews followed in 1999, 2000 and 2002.
Each beer has become a collector's item, with a strong secondary market having developed for earlier brews.
The 2004 Vintage Ale is expected to retail for about $16 per six pack, or $60 per carton.
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Sounds good, recipe anyone?
