This week we meet up with Dr Tim Cooper, Managing Director of Coopers Brewery, this year celebrating its 150th anniversary.

But first we catch up with Prof's travels to Tasmania for the 2012 hop harvest and the brewing of the Cascade First Harvest, then he talks about his experiences at a cider blending workshop.

Then we introduce a new segment, or at least a new name for Matt's apparently now regular soapbox rant. Chris from Melbourne University suggested a segment called What The Froth - WTF? - and Matt takes off on a rant about XXXX Gold Island reinforcing the damaged brand for the beer category just to gain a bump of a few points in market share.

Tim Cooper

Then we get serious and talk with Tim Cooper who gives us over an hour of his time to talk about all things Coopers, including:

• Coopers Clear and whether Coopers is still 'craft'
• When is 'traditional' not the best way to do it?
• Why the brewery replaced the old puncheon system (photos right)
• The plans for a commemorative brew for their anniversary, and
• The challenges of large retailers selling below wholesale price.

We're sure that you will find this episode fascinating and an insight into the venerable brewery.

Head over to Australian Brews News for more show notes and links.