Coopers Brewery has confirmed an in principle agreement with Brooklyn Brewery to brew and distribute Brooklyn Lager in Australia and New Zealand.

Coopers managing director Dr Tim Cooper said final contracts had not yet been signed, but both parties were working towards an agreement coming into effect from August 1, as revealed on Australian Brews News earlier this week.

“Brooklyn Brewery is regarded as one of the leaders of the American craft brewing movement,” Dr Cooper said.

“Its flagship beer, Brooklyn Lager, is a high quality, all-malt beer which would fit well into the Coopers portfolio.

“While Brooklyn Lager has previously been sold in Australia, its distribution has been patchy. This agreement will overcome those problems and we believe the beer will quickly establish itself in the Australian market.

“Premium Beverages will also import and distribute other variants in the outstanding Brooklyn range as part of the agreement.”

Dr Cooper said he and Coopers sales and marketing director, Cam Pearce would be visiting Brooklyn next week to finalise arrangements.

Dr Cooper said Premium Beverages had been looking for an American craft beer to help round out its international portfolio, which includes Carlsberg, Sapporo, Kronenbourg 1664, Kronenbourg Blanc and Mythos.

“Brooklyn Brewing is highly regarded for the quality of beer it produces and will help strengthen this portfolio,” he said.

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