Australia’s oldest beer, Cascade Pale Ale, will celebrate 190 years of production in Tasmania by lighting up the Cascade Brewery in its signature green this December. 

The historic milestone will also be marked with limited-edition commemorative packaging, modelled on the historic labelling of the long-loved beer, which features a photo of the brewery from the 1800’s.  

The Cascade story began in 1824 when pioneering industrialist Peter Degraves used a 2000-acre grant to establish a sawmill on the lower slopes of Kunanyi/Mount Wellington in South Hobart. But, eight years and a short stint in gaol later, Degraves turned the site into a brewery and the Cascade legend was born

The location, at the junction of the Hobart and Guy Fawkes Rivulets, is known for its supply of fresh, clear mountain water – one of Cascade’s key ingredients and long-touted as a reason for its superior quality.

In fact, Tasmanian folklore recounts the tale of Cascade Pale Ale’s popularity. In 1849 notorious Tasmanian bushranger, Nugget Brown, held up a coach but apparently ignored the mailbags and passengers’ valuables in favour of a five-gallon keg of Cascade beer.

Brewery Manager Jesse Cartwright said the local love that Tasmanians have for Cascade and its Pale Ale is unparalleled.

“Affectionately known simply as ‘Green’, ‘Pale’ or ‘Degraves Ale’ after its founder, Cascade Pale Ale has cemented itself into the history books as a Tasmanian icon,” he said.

“It was the first beer brewed at the site in 1832 and has been brewed continuously ever since – except for a three-month stretch in 1967 after the devastating Black Tuesday fires nearly destroyed the brewery.

“As brewers, we pride ourselves on the longevity of our recipe for Cascade Pale Ale, which is still brewed at full strength at 5% ABV and from carefully-sourced products.”

Cascade Brewery is Australia’s oldest. It employs more than 50 people and supports 100s of local businesses, standing as a unique example of Australia’s industrial heritage.

The brewery, which is operated by Carlton & United Breweries and is part of the Asahi Beverages family, will celebrate 200 years in 2024.

“Cascade has been enjoyed by generation after generation after generation of Tasmanians. This is because we use the freshest water from Kunanyi/Mount Wellington, the finest local and Australian ingredients, and our enduring commitment to quality,” Mr Cartwright said. 

The commemorative Cascade Pale Ale cases are on sale now at independent liquor retailers, including Thirsty Camel, 911, Big Bargain and Steve’s Liquor, only in Tasmania.

The heritage cases will also be available at BWS and Dan Murphy’s in January.

Collectors’ merchandise celebrating 190 years of Cascade Pale Ale is also available to purchase at the brewery bar.

For more information contact HeadlinePR: Lisa Gilbert lisa@headlinepr.com.au 0412 822 673