“Introducing Coopers Vintage Ale Seasonal Release 2024 Limited Edition, the epitome of brewing mastery and innovation. Crafted with unparalleled precision and passion, this exceptional ale is a testament to Coopers’ legacy of excellence in brewing. Each year the brewing team at Coopers sets out to create a bespoke extra strong Ale, a release characterised by the hop selection that impart unique aroma and taste. The 2024 Vintage Ale features Solero, a German hop variety bursting with tropical fruit aromas including pineapple, mango and passionfruit.”

Glassware: English pint.

Appearance: Before we start we want to throw in here that we always like to give Cooper’s beers a good roll before cracking. Just to stir up the sediment where all the flavour is. Kinda muddy light brown-reddish pour with a lasting two finger head. Good retention and lacing.

Aroma: Aahh that classic Cooper’s ale yeast…haven’t taken that banana-laden scent in for a while! Like many of our previous Vintage Ale reviews, we’re drinking this fresh so the hops play a pivotal role in bringing the fruity and peppery aromas forward. Mostly stone fruits like rock melon, apricot and peach which is very nicely balanced by the toasty and earthy malt profile.

Flavour: Such a complex beer. One of the main things we love about it. Upfront there’s a healthy battle between the malt and hop bitterness. Due to it still being so young the hops win and keep charging through the mid palate. Those earthy, toasty and grainy malt flavours never give up though. They’re constantly in the background as it finishes rather fruity and bitter. Excellent length on it.

Mouthfeel: Chewy and a little sticky then bitter in the swallow. Medium body, lively Co2. The 7.5% ABV is well behaved for its size.

Overall: It’s certainly an acquired taste. When it’s this fresh we’re a bit 50/50 on them but once they’ve been laid down for a few years they really come to fruition. Looking forward to seeing how this evolves over the coming years.