Coopers is releasing its second draught-only seasonal brew of 2016, shoring its credentials as Australia’s original craft beer.
The new amber ale varietal is a step away from traditional Coopers beers, but cloaked in the legendary brewers’ shroud of history with the title of ‘Family Secrets Amber Ale’.
This ‘Secret’ is based around a Coopers strain of yeast – selected for its distinct ale flavour yet crisp and refreshing mouthfeel of a lager, which has been kept frozen for many years, “waiting for its chance” to be part of such a beer.
The fermentation and lagering process used for the Amber Ale result in a rich, ruby-coloured beer without the familiar cloudy appearance of Coopers products.
Coopers Sales and Marketing Director Cam Pearce says the carefully cultivated strain of Coopers’ yeast has been kept under lock and key for generations.
“For the past 154 years, Coopers has specialised in brewing unique secondary fermented ales.
“Amber Ale, along with Pale Ale and IPA, is one of the major beer styles produced today by craft brewers around the world.
“With interest in Amber Ale growing in Australia, the Cooper family decided to share its unique expression of this in-demand beer.”
Due to be released mid-October – in time for summer – there have been only 1500 kegs produced, and they will be available only at selected hotels around Australia.
Amber Ale follows Brew A IPA, which was released in April this year also on-premise only, and quickly sold out.
“We expect a similar response to Family Secrets Amber Ale,” says Pearce.