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I have read in a couple of threads that there is a Coopers Irish Stout. I am assuming this will join the "International" stable....the only thing is there is no info on it on Coopers website (that I've seen!!), and I haven't seen it in the shops. Does anyone have any information on this product...has it been released...how does it differ from the "original" stout...what does the can look like?? Any info really!!

Maf,

I've seen it in my local HBS (so, yes it has been released). Its a premium version of the usual stout, its part of the Thomas Cooper's range, which is different to the int'l range - they all have variations of the same fancy labelling. It's a bit more expensive than the usual range and they generally recommend on the side of the tin that malts etc are added, rather than the usual brewer's sugar. I was going to give it a go but bought a Muntons instead - maybe next time...

BM

Given the outdated information on the Cooper's website (not to mention the sorry state of their forum), sometimes I think that they wouldn't be able to organise a piss-up in a brewery.

Cheers,

Oliver

Maybe they have organised a piss-up in the brewery and couldn't give a XXXX (or should that be Sparkling Ale??)

Boom-tish

Oliver

I get my coopers stout from good old woolies $9.00 approx
breamstalker

I saw the Irish Stout the other day and I can confirm it was in the the Thomas Coopers Premium range. They have also released another Pilsener in the same range. I'll have to have a look next time but I suspect they will be the same as the other kits in this range and recommend the use of 1.5Kg Liquid LME instead of sugar/dex.

I think the interesting thing with the Premium series is that Coopers are actually recommending the addition of malts etc (they do this with some recipe suggestions on their web site for some of the other beers, e.g. the Burly Bavarian). Of course, they usually recommend the use of their own products such as Brew Enhancer 1 & 2. But I think it reflects the growing homebrew market.

Even the most disgusting pig-swill sold as "beer" in the wide brown land has not more that one fifth of it's content as sugars. Homebrewing with two fifths garbage, that is to say sugar or dextrose, cannot produce anything better than the worst of the vomit sold in brown glass.

Even Coopers basic kits are tasting very much OK when they are brewed with malt extract in place of the recommended "BOOSTER" bags.

I am thinking of getting some of this new stout kit as I am thinking the standard Coopers stout kit is already superb.

Happen to have a coopers irish stout, bottled about three weeks ago. Prelim tasting last night was quite pleasant. Nutty and chocalate come to mind, if not a little sweet. Brewing additives play their part!.
In regards to those additives:
500 gm dried dark malt, 150 gm honey, 150 gm lactose, 350 gm dextrose.
Gullet rating: Above average, (half primed)
Recommendation: **** (give it a go!)