Cascade Summer Blonde ‘Four Seasons’ Poster

The Cascade Brewery is Australia’s oldest operating brewery, having continued in business since its foundation in 1832. Throughout its long history it has been of considerable economic importance to the state, and is a classic example of Australia’s industrial heritage. 

In partnership with Hugh McIntosh, Degraves started business as a sawmiller. The water-powered equipment had accompanied them on their voyage, and business was soon under way. Degraves immediately started work on the construction of the Cascade Brewery. The year was 1832, and although there were already eight breweries operating in Hobart Town at that time Degraves had the advantage of an unlimited supply of fresh, clear water, free from the contamination that was common in the town. 

Regardless of ownership, the Cascade Brewery has a rich and proud history. In Melbourne William Degraves’s name is remembered by Degraves Street, which runs into Flinders Street near Swanston Street. The Cascade Brewery buildings today stand majestically on the original site chosen by Peter Degraves in 1824, an attractive landmark in Hobart and a popular tourist attraction.

Cascade has also produced an annual premium beer since 2002, “First Harvest”, which has an extremely limited production. “First Harvest” refers to the first yield of Tasmanian hops, in which the actual unkilned hops flowers are used for the brew. First Harvest, which is brewed to a different recipe every year, is brewed as an ale.

From 2003 until the launch of Degrave’s collection Cascade produced a range of  seasonal beers they included Cascade Summer Blonde now Cascade Blonde, Cascade Autumn Amber now Cascade Amber, Cascade Winter Warmer a dark wheat beer and Cascade Spring Fest a Bavarian helles style lager. Winter Warmer was available as a seasonal beer in Tasmania for at least 10 years, but only on tap at selected pubs.