Vintage Ale

Somebody imports it to the US. I picked up a six-pack some time ago. It's nice enough stuff. Seemed more like a crisp Belgian Trippel to me than anything else; Surprised me, as I was expecting something more like an English old ale, given everything I've had from Australia is more in line with the English brewing tradition.

--NPD

They say it's a traditional Yorkshire recipe dating back to the nineteenth century with apparantly, the same strain of yeast kept alive over time.

--Steve W

Yep, I've had the stuff before and enjoyed it...soon after I bought it. I find it really tough to set aside beers(that benefit from aging) at my age..(51) there's no guarantee that when they're "ready" I'll still be around. :^(

Best regards, Bill

I bought some a year or so ago I think. Found it to be "cidery." Could have been an off bottle perhaps.

--Dan E

Coopers Vintage Ale is a ripper beer, best drunk between 18 months and

2 years old. Last Vintage was the 2002 (October), thus coming into it's peak. No 2003 produced, and rumour has it it will not see the retail shelves again. I love it to sell, as I can get upwards of $80AUD per carton... :>)

Hooroo.....

2003 drop was released in Adelaide on Thursday 6th November and was pretty much sold out by Saturday 8th. Had to trek all over town to find a couple of cases. Price was AUD$53.00.

Steve W

Fair dinkum??? Well F**K Smith & Sons/Coopers... their wines... their beers and the whole lot. They told me NO 2003 to be released so I just took delivery of a shitload of 2002. Are you absolutely sure... 'cos if that's the case... their is gonna be a friggin' war!!!

Regards...Swoop

On Tue, 11 Nov 2003, it was written:

Lots of it available in Kansas for the past few months. (the 2002 batch) Fairly enjoyable. Reminds me somewhat of Fullers Vintage Ale but made with that funky Coopers yeast instead.

I don't know what you have bought Steve, but after discussions with the management at Cooper's, they assure me NO VINTAGE ALE was released as their was NONE MADE !

They ARE about to release a new beer, (what it is they would not reveal to me), and suggested the 2002 Vintage Ale would be the last made.

You either have : a) Their Special Stout (labelled similarly) b) 2002 Vintage c) A Fake

The price YOU paid is only marginally above the wholesale price of the Vintage Ale (which they do not need to discount). So if indeed you have a bottle of 2003 Vintage Ale, I will buy a single EMPTY bottle from you, (Name your price) and retrieve ten fold that amount from Cooper's.

Regards Swooper

To tell you truth, I have not had a look at the bottles. Knowing they usually release that particular brew at this time of year only, I kept my eye on the paper looking at various liquor store ads until I saw one that advertised vintage ale, which happened to be Baily's & Baily's. I went to the local outlet to buy some and was informed they had sold out - except for two bottles. He said, and I quote "We had delivery of this on Thursday and it's all sold out except two bottles" That was Saturday afternoon. I then tried other varoius liquor outlets and pubs in the northern suburbs to find out they either dont stock it or, like Baily's, had sold out - recently that is. Now, naturally, I presumed it was Coopers new batch but from what you have said, it looks like last years batch but a recent release from Coppers. It certainly has not been available anywhere over the last 10 months. After a phone-a-round I found another Baily's & Baily's near the city that had some cartons and shot over to buy a couple. I don't know where you're located but there is a slim chance that some cartons may still exist - I can try and find out if you like. I will have a look at the botlles when I get home tonight and post back to this thread exactly what it is - - - - Steve W

Of course, being (almost) within walking distance of the brewery, perhaps I should just pop around there and ask them personally. Steve W

I have PLENTY of the 2002... received 20 cases yesterday, hence my despair when you said you got 03.

Hooroo.....

Do you run a liquor store?

Yep.... and you are online...lol

Hooroo...