Monday, July 5, 2010

Coopers Vintage tasting

On Sunday, Darren and I had an impromptu vertical tasting of Coopers Vintage.  I picked up a six-pack of the 2010 edition from Dan Murphy last week, and swapped one of the bottles for a 2009, still in stock. Darren, on the other hand, had some 1998 and 1999 bottles in the fridge.

I inadvertently left the 2009 at home, so we ended up tasting the youngest, and the two oldest vintages.

I was surprised, to say the least. In the past, I have always claimed the 1999 as the best release, holding up with enough malt to support the sherry notes that accrue over time. This one had smooth, bready notes, touch of sherry/rancio, a lemonade nose (?), and chocolate biscuit. Still going well after nearly 11 years.

However, Darren's 1998s were not too dissimilar. Perhaps paler in colour, more molasses on the nose. My memory of the 98 was of a thin drink, way past its best. But Darren has kept these in good condition, and the results spoke for themselves.

The youngster, 2010, is big, strong, hoppy.  Good now, for the hop character, but will lose this over time and acquire the characteristics of its older siblings.

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