Coopers Brewery has launched its annual extra strong brew, the 2024 Vintage Ale, with this iteration featuring a tropical twist.
This year’s release marks the 24th in Coopers Brewery’s Vintage Ale series since its inception in 1998, with the Coopers brewing team creating a distinctive craft-style ale each time. American hop Talus, with intense fruity and floral flavours, was featured in 2023. Keeping true to its vintage heritage, this year’s premium craft style beer is a full-bodied extra-strong ale with an IBU of 65 and alcohol level of 7.5% ABV.
Coopers managing director and chief brewer, Dr Tim Cooper, said that the 2024 Vintage Ale has maintained its reputation as a complex, premium craft beer, with an emphasis on its unique hop selection.
“The hops pairing creates an intriguing balance of tropical fruit and herbal notes while maintaining a pleasant level of bitterness on the palate,” he said.
“We know that exclusive seasonal brews are a real hit with Australian drinkers, and we expect this year’s Vintage release will be no exception.”
Coopers 2024 Vintage Ale features the German variety Solero, and a new hop, Bru-1, from the USA. This pairing offers a blend of pineapple, mango and passionfruit aromas, with herbal and citrus notes. On the palate, this bold ale displays berry, spice and melon characters, balanced by a moderate bitterness with a lingering finish.
“The flavour and aromas of Coopers Vintage Ale are accentuated by rolling the bottle gently before opening and gently pouring into a stemmed beer glass. It is best savoured with rich foods and perfect for the cooler months,” said Cooper.
“While it’s perfect to drink right away, Vintage Ale can also be stored under cellar conditions to bring its robust, malty characters to the forefront.
“Coopers 2024 Vintage Ale has been released in limited quantities and is traditionally highly sought after, so fans should get in early to avoid missing out.”
Vintage Ale sits prominently in Australia’s niche high ABV beer category, which has grown as a share of the nation’s total beer market in recent times.
The Coopers 2024 Vintage Ale is available at liquor stores nationwide in 355mL bottles, six packs and 24-pack cartons. Vintage Ale will also be available on tap at selected venues for a limited time.
