Coming in at number eleven in the 2012 Critics’ Choice Top 100 is the Coopers Extra Strong Vintage Ale.

Entering it’s 150th year of operation this year, Coopers continue to make an impact and the Extra Strong Vintage Ale shows the venerable brewery’s continued relevance in the broader craft beer market.

Rich flavours and aromas ensure this beer remains one of the most anticipated releases from Coopers. As News Limited’s Mike Gribble noted, ‘Rising grassy orchard aromas and a subdued fume of alcohol (7.5%) precede tastes of orange peel, lemon fizz, pepper, fennel, burnt toffee, sweet, fruity esters; even hints of lavender, all topped off by a long Amarillo hop-charged spice.’

I’m not sure that I get all of that myself, but it is a distinct favourite and one of the easiest beers to start a beer cellar with. It is also the perfect beer for a wide range of food, including rib with blue cheese melt.

The brewer’s notes indicate that cellaring will offer even more: ‘Stored under cellar conditions, the rich and full flavour will become more complex over an extended period.’

The Critics’ Choice voting panel was made up of 39 of Australia’s leading beer connoisseurs. Each panellist was asked to vote for their favourite beers in order to create a list of the top 100 beers in Australia.

Select venues around the country will be launching the Critics’ Choice by featuring the top 12 beers on March 30.

The Critics’ Choice: Australia’s Best Beers
RRP $14.95
Available April 2
from newsagents & bookstores

www.beerloversguide.com.au