Coopers releases special edition 2014 ‘vintage’ ale
Australian brewery Coopers Brewery has released its special edition 2014 Extra Strong Vintage Ale.
The limited release beer was officially launched at three key events in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne on Friday 4 July 2014. This is the 14th Vintage in the series.
Coopers’ Managing Director and Chief Brewer Dr Tim Cooper said Vintage Ale 2014 “demonstrates the same high standards as previous vintages, maintaining the essential hop-driven characteristics”.
“This year’s selection of hops has been given careful consideration to ensure the best combination of bittering and aromatic varieties,” Dr Cooper said.
“Four varieties – two Australian and two American – make up the 2014 Vintage Ale,” Dr Cooper said. “American variety Bravo provides the foundation for the bitterness of the brew, while Galaxy and Ella from the hop-growing regions of Tasmania provide fruity aromas and flavours of peach, grapefruit and passionfruit.There are also layers of spicy notes to complement the citrus and tropical notes,” he said.
“The other American variety, Cascade, harmonises and emphasises the floral and fruity undertones arising from the Tasmanian hops and from our distinctive ale fermentation,” Dr Cooper said.
Dr Cooper said alcohol content remains at 7.5 per cent alcohol by volume, retaining Vintage Ale’s title as the strongest beer brewed by Coopers and one of the stronger beers produced in the world.
Coopers’ National Marketing Director Mr Cam Pearce said winter was the perfect time to enjoy Vintage Ale.
“Limited production and strong demand in the market saw last year’s run of Vintage go quickly,” Mr Pearce said. “We encourage Vintage lovers everywhere to stock up early so they don’t miss out,” he said.
Coopers Extra Strong Vintage Ale was first released in 1998, with further vintages in 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. The Ale can be consumed immediately, or can be stored in cool conditions to mature over a period of time.
The 2014 Vintage Ale is priced from $80 per carton or $25 per six pack of 355 mL bottles.
