Hargreaves Hill Phoenix 2026 Imperial Red Ale Bottle 750ml

Limited Release imperial red ale with rich malt depth, resinous hops and serious cellaring appeal.

About The Beer

Hargreaves Hill Phoenix 2026 Imperial Red Ale is one of the brewery’s most iconic annual releases, bottled at 9.6% ABV and produced as a 15th vintage. First released in 2010 as a symbol of resilience after the original Steels Creek brewery was lost in the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, the 2026 release continues that story in a powerful, cellar worthy format. Only 500 hand labelled, wax dipped 750ml bottles were produced, making this a standout special release beer for collectors and serious craft beer drinkers alike. 

Tasting Notes

This is a deep, brooding imperial red ale built on layered malt richness and firm hop structure. Expect notes of caramel, raisin, toffee and brioche, with pine, citrus rind and resinous bitterness bringing lift, grip and length across the palate. The result is full-bodied and complex, yet balanced enough to drink beautifully now.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slightly warmer than a standard lager or pale ale to let the malt depth and aromatics fully open up. This is a contemplative beer for slower drinking, ideal when you want something rich, expressive and worthy of a proper glass rather than a quick fridge grab.

About The Brewery

Hargreaves Hill Brewing Co. began in 2004 in Steels Creek, founded by Simon Walkenhorst and Beth Williams with a focus on choice and quality in Australian beer. After the brewery was destroyed in the Black Saturday fires in 2009, the team rebuilt in Lilydale, where Hargreaves Hill continues to produce its respected core range and seasonal releases. Phoenix remains one of the clearest expressions of that history and resilience.

Cellaring Potential

Phoenix is expressly built for ageing and drinks well both fresh and with time in the cellar. Hargreaves Hill says it can be enjoyed now or with 5+ years of cellaring, making it a smart choice for customers looking for a beer with real development potential.

Collector’s Note

With only 500 bottles produced, each hand-labelled and wax dipped, Phoenix 2026 is the kind of limited release that stands out in any serious craft beer collection. Its annual release, strong backstory and age worthy profile give it genuine appeal for collectors as well as drinkers. 

Details

Brewery: Hargreaves Hill Brewing Co.

Style: Imperial Red Ale

Vintage: 2026

ABV: 9.6%

Size: 750ml Bottle

Region: Lilydale, Victoria

Key Notes: Caramel, toffee, raisin, brioche, pine, citrus rind, resinous bitterness

Release: Limited annual release, 500 bottles produced