Coopers Brewery's recently introduced Thomas Cooper's Selection craft beer range has a new arrival: an unpasteurised lager containing mystery hops.
The new product, Artisan Reserve Pilsner, joins Celebration Ale and Vintage Ale in the Thomas Cooper’s Selection, which was introduced during the brewery’s 150th anniversary in 2012.
Artisan Reserve Pilsner is an all-malt Pilsner crafted with Hallertau Tradition and Hallertau Hersbrucher hop varieties, both sourced from Bavaria. Two other hops varieties are also being used, according to Coopers, but these will remain under wraps to discourage copying.
Coopers’ MD, Dr Tim Cooper, said the Thomas Cooper’s Selection was introduced to highlighting the brewery’s expertise in developing high-quality craft beers.
Cooper said that although lagers normally undergo pasteurisation immediately after being bottled, Coopers' long tradition of producing bottle-conditioned ales that don't undergo pasteurisation, as well as the introduction of membrane fillers into its bottling process, made the pasteurised Artisan Reserve possible.
“We did this is to create a point of difference in the subtle flavour profile of the product that is otherwise lost in pasteurisation,” he told Food & Drink Business
Cooper said the resulting product lived up to the true meaning of artisan. “It reflects the skill of the brewers who have pushed the boundaries of the ancient art of beer-making to create an unpasteurised product with the freshest taste possible,” he said.
“The result is a bright, clear beer that is golden yellow in colour with an appetising soft and creamy head. First impressions are citrusy with a balanced malt character.”
Artisan Reserve Pilsner has an alcohol content of 5.5 per cent, which is higher than most lagers of its type in the market.
Artisan Reserve comes in 355ml bottles and retails for around $55 a carton, or $18 to $20 per six pack. It is also available in 50-litre kegs at selected outlets.
