Coopers marks a milestone with special release

The team at Coopers Brewery in Adelaide have been busier than a one-legged man in an arse-kicking competition.

First, a special barley variety named after the original site of Coopers Brewery added a historic touch to the 20th year celebration of Vintage Ale.

The Coopers 2020 Vintage Ale features Leabrook barley, named after the former site of the sixth generation Australian family-owned brewery.

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.

The Leabrook barley variety, grown on the eastern slopes of the Adelaide Hills, has been crafted by maltster Dr Doug Stewart into pale malt, to which crystal and wheat malt is added to create an authentic Vintage Ale with a twist.

Coopers Managing Director and Chief Brewer, Dr Tim Cooper, said: “We wanted to create something special to mark the 20th vintage. As well as being a tip of the hat to our original site, it’s also a tribute to the long association we enjoyed with the University of Adelaide and its barley program.

“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 2020 Vintage has been launched in time for Father’s Day, as has a new Hazy IPA, a limited-edition seasonal release which will be available in kegs and 375ml cans across Australia from August 17.

Hazy beers are characterised by their intense juicy, fruit-forward aroma, soft carbonation, creamy mouthfeel and hazy, opaque appearance.

“Hazy beers are attracting considerable attention internationally, with their distinct appearance in a glass making for interesting conversations," said Tim Cooper.

"Coopers cloudy beers are a result of yeast particles left in suspension following a unique secondary fermentation process used to create natural carbonation. Coopers Hazy IPA uses protein rich malts, including wheat, combined with the liberal hop additions to form the hazy appearance."

Hazy IPA will be sold in four-packs rather than six-packs, with four packs expected to retail for around $22.

Editor's Note: With Lion Nathan wholly owned by Kirin Brewing Company since 2009, and Fosters owned by SABMiller since 2011, Coopers is the only wholly Australian-owned major brewery.