Cellar Notes - Coopers Vintage Ale
Vintage: 2008
Consumed: April 2009
I'm back on board. Didn't blow me away like the first time I tried time beer (the 2004 as a youngster) but very solid and I might have to re-weight my view, particularly given the relatively large volumes in which this is made. A bit lighter in colour than the 2004, more in the browny orangey apricot spectrum. Nose shows sweet malts and toffee; Beligian for mine. Palate is light, at least to my tastes, for a 7.5%er but certainly well built. More toffee and malt to taste, along with some bitter malts in the back palate. Might need a little more punch but the palate structure is very good.
Vintage: 2004
Consumed: August 2006
Impressive pour – big creamy head, quite thick, settles to leave a classic flat white coffee layer of thin creamy froath. Chunky lacing. Light brown / tan in colour, dirty texture, small floaties. Belgium strong ale nose with meaty yeasts and malts, some chocolate, quite powerful, certaintly giving the impression of higher alcohol than the quoted 7.5%. Very balanced to taste although the weight of flavours is a touch subdued, relative to the nose, and tails a little on the finish. More classic Belgian malty notes, again a touch chocolately, but just a little too elegant and perhaps dilutive for the style. I’m certain this beer was looking better 6 months ago although its still a very acceptable drink.
2004 Vintage / Tasted November 2004 (17/20)
Cloudy caramel / tan in the glass. Not much going on in the nose, quite restrained. Impressive flavour and mouthfeel. Full of character, and almost has an extracted red wine taste with roasted malty notes and licorice touches, Definately has some sweet touches but heaps of polish and in context, Carries its 7.5% easily. Best beer I’ve had in months.
Consumed: April 2009
I'm back on board. Didn't blow me away like the first time I tried time beer (the 2004 as a youngster) but very solid and I might have to re-weight my view, particularly given the relatively large volumes in which this is made. A bit lighter in colour than the 2004, more in the browny orangey apricot spectrum. Nose shows sweet malts and toffee; Beligian for mine. Palate is light, at least to my tastes, for a 7.5%er but certainly well built. More toffee and malt to taste, along with some bitter malts in the back palate. Might need a little more punch but the palate structure is very good.
Vintage: 2004
Consumed: August 2006
Impressive pour – big creamy head, quite thick, settles to leave a classic flat white coffee layer of thin creamy froath. Chunky lacing. Light brown / tan in colour, dirty texture, small floaties. Belgium strong ale nose with meaty yeasts and malts, some chocolate, quite powerful, certaintly giving the impression of higher alcohol than the quoted 7.5%. Very balanced to taste although the weight of flavours is a touch subdued, relative to the nose, and tails a little on the finish. More classic Belgian malty notes, again a touch chocolately, but just a little too elegant and perhaps dilutive for the style. I’m certain this beer was looking better 6 months ago although its still a very acceptable drink.
2004 Vintage / Tasted November 2004 (17/20)
Cloudy caramel / tan in the glass. Not much going on in the nose, quite restrained. Impressive flavour and mouthfeel. Full of character, and almost has an extracted red wine taste with roasted malty notes and licorice touches, Definately has some sweet touches but heaps of polish and in context, Carries its 7.5% easily. Best beer I’ve had in months.
Labels: Cellar Notes
posted by Stewart Went at
2:28 pm
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