By Andy Young, TheShout
The 2017 Coopers Extra Strong Vintage Ale, which features a new combination of hops and malts has been released.
The annual release of the Extra Strong Vintage Ale is widely anticipated and while the hops are regularly changed, this year the brewing team at Coopers has changed grist recipe for the first time in a decade.
Coopers Managing Director and Chief Brewer, Dr Tim Cooper, said the new grist recipe included a special blend of caramalt, which helps give the beer a distinctive crimson red colour as well as a rich malty, honey and dry nutty taste.
“The caramalt contributes well to the balance of bold malt flavours and the softness of a fine and creamy head,” he said.
“Vintage Ale is known for its bold and robust selection of hops and this year we have chosen the new bittering and aromatic varieties Denali and Calypso, which deliver a delicate spectrum of fruity aromas, with pineapple and pear characteristics alongside pine and citrus notes.
“Last year’s Vintage used a combination of Astra, Melba, Northern Brewer, Styrian Goldings and Cascade.”
The 2017 Vintage Ale is 7.5 per cent ABV and has a bitterness of 50 IBU, both of which will help the beer as it matures.
Coopers National Sales and Marketing Director, Cam Pearce, said only a limited number of kegs and cartons would be made available.
“This is one of the few beers on the market that is designed to age and is unique in Australia,” he said.
The 2017 Extra Strong Vintage Ale is the 17th in the series that goes back to its launch in 1998. It will be available in key venues in August and six packs are expected to retail for around $27 at good liquor outlets.