Coopers of Adelaide, South Australia, has added to its range of celebrated beers, including Sparkling Ale, with an annual Extra Strong Vintage Ale. The first vintage was
released in 1998 and the beer has now reached cult status in Australia where it is sold on draft as well as in bottle.
The beer is around 7.5%, though the strength varies from year to year. It is brewed from pale and crystal malts, with Pride of Ringwood hops from Tasmania. Some vintages also have an addition of German Hallertauer
and Czech Saaz hop varieties.
The beers are immensely complex with rich fruit - blood oranges and sherry
wine - fresh tobacco, citrus and hop resins on the nose and palate. The beers are bottle conditioned with live yeast and will improve with age.
The 2007 vintage is now available in Britain from selected Tesco stores at �3 a bottle, but please note that six bottles of Vintage Ale are included in the 'Medal Winners' beer case available at a specially
discounted price through our Beer Club.
