Beers of the Month

DRAUGHT

Coopers Extra Strong Vintage Ale

Where: The Spotted Cow Cellars & Hotel

This is one of the Spotted Cow's favourites and we regularly have it on tap - like now! The keg never lasts long, so come in as soon as you get a chance to try this little sucker out if you haven't already. Or, just re-visit this glorious tasting beer! The greatest this is, we've had this keg stowed away for almost a year  now... Almost at perfection!

Tasting Notes: If fine wine were beer it would no doubt be Coopers Extra Strong Vintage Ale. This strong ale imparts rich full flavours that are suitable for maturation. Stored under cellar conditions, the rich and full flavour will become more complex over an extended period.

Monteith's Rata Summer Ale

We're pretty excited here, this is the first time we've had any of the Monteith's range on tap. The Summer Ale tastes a whole lot cleaner on tap so it's definitely worth the trek down here to try it. The complexity of the beer is absolutely exquisite - you'll find more defined aromas and tasting notes from The Summer Ale on tap (hopefully, that's what I found). The kiwi's haven't done too badly with this one - they might actually be good at something?!

Tasting Notes: A refreshing spiced, bright gold beer with a real flavoursome zest.
First we chose four different malts to give a smooth heart, then we carefully brought the beer through the brewhouse and spiced it gently with a single hop variety. With the addition of traditional spices and the finishing tough of a little rata honey, the result is unique.
5.0% Alc/Vol

St. Arnou Pale Ale
St Arnou, the Patron Saint of Brewing

Once again, another first for us - the St Arnou Pale Ale on tap. the staff have been loving this beer (better be quick before we drink it all!). It has that traditional pale ale taste with a surprising little bit of bitterness.

Tasting Notes: This larger styled ale has a fruity, delicate aroma. Golden in colour, this beer has a lot of complexity with a clean crisp flavour. Floral on the nose and with a well-balanced palate for drinkability.
4.3% Alc/Vol

BOTTLE

Meantime High Saison

A great little (500mL) saison for those who love to try something new and interesting! Perfect for the ladies who don't like too much hopiness!

Tasting Notes: Pours hazy orange with a short lasting off white head providing minimal lacing. Aroma is nicely restrained sweet malts with oranges, lemons, coriander, subtle banana and earthy yeasts. Bittersweet on the tongue with a restrained sourness and dryish finish.
Medium bodied with a slick mouthfeel and easy drinkability. Rather lacks the sourness and dry finish of the best. Belgian saisons but still very good.
5.0 Alc/Vol

Chambly Noire

I've not yet come across a Unibroue beer I don't like. The Chambly Noire is no exception. Dark in colour and dark in history. Think of your favourite beer and the Chambly Noire is in that exact league.

Tasting Notes: The opaque blackness and beige-colored foam mousse of Chambly Noire belie its light, refreshing body and clean, long finish, featuring hints of roasted coffee beans, toast and toffee.
6.2% Alc/Vol

Duke Hefeweizen

The Duke Hefeweizen is a limited release and we're grateful to be allowed to sell it! The Burliegh Brewery have done a cracking job of imitating Germany's second most favourable beer. Definitely worthy of a taste test! Well done to the lads.

Tasting Notes: Burleigh Hefeweizen is an elegant beer with a delightful fruit character. It boasts a fine balance of banana and clove aromas, rich flavours, a bright white head and a smooth, creamy texture. Burleigh Hefeweizen is an amazingly food friendly beer that can be paired with a wide variety of dishes.
5.1% Alc/Vol