Coopers Brewery is celebrating 20 years of its Vintage Ale, featuring Leabrook barley – named after the former site of the sixth-generation Australian family-owned brewery. It has also released a limited edition Hazy IPA.
The Leabrook barley is grown on the eastern slopes of Adelaide Hills and has been crafted into pale malt by Dr Doug Stewart. Crystal and wheat malt is then added to create the Vintage Ale with “a special twist”.
Coopers managing director and chief brewer Dr Tim Cooper said Coopers was supporting a long-term barley development program as part of the University of Adelaide, with the Leabrook barley being the latest variety released.
“We wanted to create something special to mark the 20th Vintage,” Cooper said.
“While there is a strong historic theme to this Vintage, we’ve also embraced some new world hops in its creation and our expert brewing team has benefited from our state-of-the-art malting plant.
“The result is a finely balanced but robust brew with a delightful copper hue. The 2020 Vintage has a full malt flavour, combined with hints of nut and maple. This can be enjoyed straightaway or stored longer in the cellar for a special occasion.”
Coopers was located at Leabrook in Adelaide’s eastern suburbs from 1881 until 2001 when it moved to its current and expanded site at Regency Park.
Coopers will also release its Hazy IPA on 17 August, which will be available in kegs and 275ml cans across the country.
Coopers cloudy beers are a result of yeast particles left in suspension following a secondary fermentation process used to create natural carbonation.
“Coopers Hazy IPA is a hoppy, sessionable, easy to drink beer providing tangerine, orange, citrus and exotic fruit flavours and aromas as a result of the liberal use of Ahtanum and Strata hops,” said Cooper.
“It’s a softer, easy-drinking beer that fits comfortably within the New England IPA style as opposed to more aggressive West Coast IPAs.”
The Coopers 2020 Vintage Ale is the 20th in the series of Vintage Ales, and has an alcohol level of 7.5 per cent ABV.
The Coopers Hazy IPA is available in four-packs for RRP $22.00.
