I want to start this review by stating what I think the best thing about Cooper’s is, namely, they make malt extract and other supplies for home brewers.  I’ve used their brewing stuff numerous times and with great success.  So, whatever might be said about their beers, their brewing supplies are great. 

Before I start the review proper, I would also like to note that this is an ale-maker with conviction.  While many breweries in Australia were going the route of the lager craze, Cooper’s kept making their Ales.  Kudos for that.  Here is a review of their Vintage Ale.

Body-wise, the beer was a copper-bronze color with a small but nicely retaining head.  It was not overly active in the glass, but it looked great.

On the nose, I noted a slight hay aroma along with hops and a malty sweetness.  It also had some qualities that were somewhat winish.  Additionally, the 7.5% ABV bled through to the nose of the beer. 

The slight winish quality came through on the palate along with the sweet malts and big hop bitterness.  There certainly was an alcohol warmth and dryness in the beer and some apparent fruitiness.  Cooper’s claims that this beer becomes more interesting after up to 18 months or so of aging, and I wish that I would have waited for that.  They also compare this beer to a fine wine.  I think that their pronouncement lacked substantiation in their beer. 

Overall, the beer was slightly above average and not quite as prestigious as Cooper’s would have you believe.  Don’t get me wrong, it kills beers like Foster’s; in my opinion, Fuller’s Vintage Ale is far better.  I’ve had and enjoyed numerous other beers that they’ve made, but this one was not one of my favorites.

Don’t tie me kangaroo down, sport, because I don’t think I’ll be drinking another one.

Mike’s Rating:

Rating: ★★★☆☆ 

Compared to Other Vintage Ales I've had ★★★☆☆