Brew better with age

Coopers launched its first vintage ale in 1998 and followed with vintages in 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006 and thereafter every year. We cellared these at Schloss Shanahan and happily report how much we enjoy their toffee-like richness as the years roll by.

Their ability to withstand prolonged cellaring comes from their inherent strength - a combination of malt richness, high alcohol (7.5 per cent), high hops content and secondary fermentation in bottle. Chief executive and brewer Dr Tim Cooper says, "An inherent property of this ale yeast [Coopers' 100-year-old strain] is its ability to produce high levels of fruity esters that provide texture, and balance the bitterness with a smooth, mellow, warming aftertaste on the palate."

Of particular note in 2013 is the influence of centennial, Chinook, citra and styrian golding hops on the aroma, flavour and bitterness.

Coopers Strong Vintage Ale 2013
355ml 6-pack $25

Coopers vintage ale lurches strongly towards hops in 2013. The pungent hops aromas leap from the fresh-poured glass, their flavours dominate the palate, and their lingering bitterness complete the hoppiest vintage to date. However, the high alcohol (7.5 per cent) and rich, sweet malt largely offset the hops, suggesting a long flavour evolution in bottle.

★★★★★

2 Brothers Kung Foo Rice Lager
330ml bottle $6.20

Two Brothers Brewery, of Moorabbin, Victoria, makes this beer in the light-bodied, fresh, rice-beer style. Rice lightens the body and brightens the palate, giving it a tangy, lemony freshness that largely eliminates the need for hops bitterness. It's a refreshing drop on its own and could accompany delicate food.

★★★★