BJCP 12B · Pale Commonwealth Beer
Australian Sparkling Ale
A pale, dry, highly carbonated Australian ale with fruity esters and Pride of Ringwood hops. It's bottle-conditioned with yeast.
Australian Sparkling Ale by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 4.5 – 6.0%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 20 – 35 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 4 – 7 SRM8–14 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.038 – 1.050on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.004 – 1.006on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What Australian Sparkling Ale is like
A pale, very dry, very fizzy ale that pairs fruity esters with the earthy, herbal character of Pride of Ringwood hops. It's bottle-conditioned, so it usually has a yeast sediment that may or may not be poured. Refreshing and easy to drink, despite packing some alcohol.
Appearance
Deep gold to light amber, clear if poured off the sediment and hazy if the yeast is roused. Tall, persistent white head.
Aroma
Light fruity esters, pear or apple, and earthy, herbal hops, sometimes with a touch of resin. Malt is low, with bready notes.
Flavor
Restrained malt, light fruity esters and medium to medium-high bitterness with the herbal, earthy character of Pride of Ringwood. The finish is very dry and somewhat minerally from the high attenuation.
Mouthfeel
Medium-light to medium body. Very high carbonation and some warmth in stronger versions.
Where Australian Sparkling Ale comes from
It descends from the English pale ales brewed in Australia in the 19th century. Coopers, in Adelaide, kept brewing it the same way while lager took over the rest of the country.
Ingredients
Pale malt, often with some sugar to dry the beer out. Pride of Ringwood hops. Fruity Australian ale yeast and bottle conditioning.
Brew it yourself
How to brew Australian Sparkling Ale at home
Ferment at 18-21 °C (64-70 °F) with Coopers' own yeast if you can get it, and use some sugar so it finishes very dry. Bottle-carbonate to about 3 volumes, using sturdy bottles. The classic mistake is falling short on carbonation and attenuation: you end up with just another pale ale.
Food pairing
Perfect with grilled shrimp, barbecued meat or fish and chips.
Glassware: nonic pint glass, the classic pub glass, made for long drinks.
Classic examples
- Coopers Sparkling Ale
Frequently asked questions
How strong is Australian Sparkling Ale?
Between 4.5% and 6.0% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a moderate strength.
How bitter is Australian Sparkling Ale?
It has 20 to 35 IBUs, a moderate bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is Australian Sparkling Ale?
Yellow to amber: 4 to 7 SRM (8 to 14 EBC).
What food pairs well with Australian Sparkling Ale?
Perfect with grilled shrimp, barbecued meat or fish and chips.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try British Golden Ale and American Pale Ale.
If you like Australian Sparkling Ale, try these
Classification and statistics: official Australian Sparkling Ale guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.