BEING a bit partial to the Coopers range of beers, it was a pleasant surprise to find the South Australian brewer had yet another beer to try.
This time the drop is Coopers Vintage Ale, an annual release full of flavour and body.
I am a self-confessed fan of the Coopers Heritage beers and found a similarity with this drop.
It has a rich copper colour, a creamy head and a bouquet which is citrus/floral in nature, and something which you mightn’t expect
from such a rich-looking ale.
The tasting notes point out that four different varieties of hops were used and, while that might suggest this is a bitter ale, I found it smooth across the palate, leaving the mouth with a moorish malty (even sweetish, though not too sweet) aftertaste.
The combination of great aroma, inviting appearance and great body and flavour makes this an extremely"sessionable" beer but here’s the catch – it is also an extremely full-strength beer.
At 7.5 per cent, this isn’tabeer to be taken lightly.
However unlike some "face grenades" which really let you know you are drinking an extremely strong beer, this Coopers is far more subtle.
After all, with Coopers it’s all about the taste and flavour rather than the alcoholic content, which is a by-product of extended fermentation.
It is a beer which can be put aside and allowed to age, but only for about 18 months, not like the Heritage range which is designed for storage up to 10 years.
I think this would be a great beer better suited to cold nights and hearty meals, such as stews or casseroles, though you might try it with some spicy food which could be matched by the strong flavours.
Surprisingly, this could also be matched with an after-dinner dessert thanks to the slight caramel-toffee aftertaste.
To be honest, Iwould prefer to just sit back and savour this beer slowly.
It will definitely put you in a relaxed mood after a hard day of doing just about anything.
MY TIP
THIS beer needs to be served cold but not chilled and preferably in a balloon or tulip glass to appreciate the full assault on the senses – sight, smell and taste. Being such a strong beer, it’s advisable not to plan on doing too much else if you intend having a few, but it a social beer and ideal for just sitting back with friends and pondering the state of the world. Ideally suited to cooler weather, I would suggest red meat stews or even a dessert like a sticky date pudding. At about $20 for a 375ml six pack, it isn’t cheap, but then again, if you want quality ...