Inside Coopers Brewing Company: Australia’s Oldest Family-Owned Brewery

date Jul 15,2025

Inside Coopers Brewing Company: Australia’s Oldest Family-Owned Brewery

In the world of Australian craft beer, one name has stood the test of time — Coopers Brewing Company. Established in 1862, Coopers is proudly known as Australia’s oldest family-owned brewery, crafting iconic ales for over 160 years. While many breweries have come and gone, Coopers has remained a symbol of tradition, independence, and uncompromising quality.

Whether you're sipping a bottle of Coopers Original Pale Ale or indulging in the rich, bold notes of Coopers Sparkling Ale, you’re tasting a piece of Australian brewing history. At Matthews Liquor, we proudly stock a wide selection of Coopers products — available both in-store and via our fast delivery service across Melbourne.

A Legacy That Began in 1862

Coopers Brewing Company was founded by Thomas Cooper, a shoemaker-turned-brewer in South Australia. His first batch of beer was brewed as a tonic for his ill wife, but it quickly caught the attention of friends, neighbors, and eventually the public.

More than 160 years later, Coopers remains a family-owned and operated brewery, now managed by the sixth generation of the Cooper family. This independence has allowed the company to preserve its authentic brewing methods and strong company values, even as the industry around it changes rapidly.

Naturally Conditioned, Always Unfiltered

Coopers is famous for its "naturally conditioned" beers — meaning the beer is fermented in the bottle or keg rather than being filtered or pasteurized. This method:

  • Retains natural yeast sediment (creating that signature cloudiness)

  • Enhances flavor complexity and mouthfeel

  • Extends shelf life without preservatives

Whether it’s the Original Pale Ale, Sparkling Ale, or even their Stout, every Coopers beer reflects a commitment to traditional brewing craftsmanship.

What Makes Coopers Different?

  • 100% Australian-owned and made

  • Family-run for 6 generations

  • Still uses its original secondary fermentation technique

  • Offers one of the widest ranges of bottle-conditioned beers in the country

  • Committed to sustainability and community support

In a market dominated by global brewing giants, Coopers stands out as a rare independent brewery that never sold out — a true Aussie original.

Buy Coopers Beer at Matthews Liquor – In Store or Online

At Matthews Liquor, we carry a wide selection of Coopers favourites, including:

  • Coopers Original Pale Ale

  • Coopers Sparkling Ale

  • Coopers Stout

  • Seasonal and limited-edition brews

With four convenient stores across Melbourne’s west and fast one-hour delivery, you can enjoy Australia’s most iconic beers from the comfort of your home.

More Than Beer – It’s Heritage in a Bottle

When you buy a Coopers beer, you’re not just choosing great taste — you’re supporting an Australian legacy that prioritizes family, quality, and craft.

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