James Squire, which is famously recognised for its beer varietals has succeeded in remastering a 220-year-old beer that was discovered at the bottom of the Tasman Sea. Providing our taste buds with an assortment of flavours, this incredible discovery is a unique infusion, a cut above the rest.
Collaborating with the Australian Wine Research Institute and the Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery, the team at James Squire have formulated a new brew from the yeast of the ancient artefact. In 1776, the Sydney Cove began its voyage, departing from Calcutta in India. Aboard the vessel, it was believed that there was an abundance of cargo which included 31,500 litres of various alcohol.
On its expedition to Preservation Island, located in the east of Bass Strait, the ship struck turmoil and sunk. During this unfortunate occurrence, the entire contents of the ship were lost.
After 200 years of being lost on the ocean’s floor, the wreckage was discovered by a couple of divers. Down at the rusted and decayed sea vessel where seaweed had swallowed the wreckage whole, the divers sifted through the mess and came across a remarkable discovery.
The ice temperature of the ocean floor in addition to the tight seal enabled the contents of the bottle to keep intact. On record, this is the oldest found bottle of alcohol known to man today.
The extraordinary find was placed in the Queens Victoria Museum & Art Gallery in Launceston for a number of decades. David Thurrowgood, the museum’s conservator and a curious analytical chemist, was intrigued about experimenting with recreating the ancient brew. Thurrowgood teamed up with the crew at James Squire in hopes of making these dreams come true.
The talented team at James Squire, along with Thurrowgood’s expertise, conducted an extraction of the yeast from the 220-year-old beer. Through hours of research, testing, trial and error the team was able to recreate and remaster the brew into a brand new beer.
After much debate, it was decided that it would be termed ‘The Wreck Preservation Ale’, after the ship that tragically sank. James Squire describes the flavour as a ‘tasty, smoother porter-style brew that is malty yet dark, spicy and stormy with deep hints of chocolate’.
It was advised by the head brewer of James Squire, Haydon Morgan, the robust brew should be sipped slowly and the brawny taste savoured. One bottle of the Wreck Preservation Ale contains 6.1 per cent of alcohol.
Thurrowgood was thrilled with their achievement since almost everything from the 1970’s is near distinction, it was amazing to have some form of information that lets us see into the world of alcohol and eating habits from 200 years ago. This discovery and remake is a connection to the crude Australian history, not just a reinvented beer.
James Squire went on to produce only 2500 bottles of the exclusive, special edition ale. It was distributed to Dan Murphy’s around the nation, because of its high demand, all cases of beer completely sold out.
Today, the only way of getting a hold of the beer is through eBay. Beer enthusiasts, who recognised the thirst for the creation would be extreme, are said to be selling single 750ml bottles of beer for up to $1000 each. There is a confirmation that the release of the notable batch will be available for sale at James Squire brew houses across the nation in the near future.