Sixth generation Coopers family member, Iain Cooper, has joined the brewery. Cooper has recently returned from overseas to take up the position of technical brewer. He is the latest sixth-generation family member to join Coopers Brewery.
His cousin Andrew Cooper (son of company Chairman Glenn Cooper) is the brewery’s export beer manager, while Iain’s sister Louise Cooper is the brewery’s strategic development manager.
Coopers managing director and chief brewer, Dr Tim Cooper, Iain’s father, said he was proud to see his son continuing the strong family brewing tradition.
“It’s great to see Iain now join Louise and Andrew as sixth-generation family members here at Coopers, which all bodes well for the long-term future of our company,” Cooper said.
An internationally qualified brewer, Cooper has worked for the past 3.5 years with Carlsberg in Copenhagen, focusing on malt research and honing his craft brewing skills. Coopers has a partnership with Carlsberg, brewing and distributing its pilsners in Australia.
After starting work in May at Coopers’ Regency Park brewery, located in his home state of South Australia, Cooper said it was great to be back in Australia working alongside familiar faces.
“The brewery has been such a big part of my life from as long as I can remember. Growing up I watched and listened intently to my dad and grandfather as they worked at the brewery and discussed the business at the family table,” said Cooper.
Cooper initially completed a degree in media and economics before later deciding to formally pursue his passion for brewing, later spending time in Edinburgh working with various local breweries and studying a Master of Science in brewing and distilling.
“I had always enjoyed experimenting with home-brews and wanted to develop my skills and knowledge. Any family member keen to join the brewery is strongly encouraged to first earn their stripes outside the business. So, I headed overseas to do just that.
“I’m really excited about what lies ahead for our brewery, particularly with construction underway of the new visitor centre, microbrewery and whisky distillery. Australian beer has a strong reputation on the world stage, and I’m pleased to say that Coopers is at the forefront in terms of quality and taste.
“A lot of that comes down to the ingredients we source and the skills of our dedicated brewers. I’m hoping I can help continue that tradition,” said Cooper.
