Liquor businesses Cascade Brewery and Asahi Beverages has brought back Cascade First Harvest for a limited time. They are working with local farmers using fresh hops from their local farm, Bushy Park Estates, situated outside Hobart, Tasmania.
Cascade First Harvest was first brewed in the early 2000s, and is a well-balanced IPA with a “biscuity” malt character and a crisp ale yeast.
The beer will only be available in Tasmania, and only in 350 kegs during the trial run. If successful, the companies said it may become an annual event of kegs exported to the mainland of Australia.
“Beer is usually brewed with dried hop pellets for consistency and the ability to brew all year round,” Cascade Brewery plant manager Jesse Cartwright said.
“Using fresh hops is an ancient method and creates a herbaceous and particularly vibrant beer with woody, piney and floral characters. We think people will love the taste, particularly as it’s the first-time fresh Cascade and Enigma.”
“Cascade was perhaps a bit ahead of its time when we launched a similar beer nearly two decades ago. But the growing interest among Tasmanian drinkers in the provenance of beer and different tastes means we think the time is now right to again launch this amazing beer.”
First Harvest is a type of beer brewed only once a year during the harvest season and in limited volume since fresh hops have a short shelf life, and Cartwright said the beer is an opportunity to directly support Tasmanian farmers which they are very proud of.
“Fresh hop beers tell a great story about the connection between Aussie brewers and Aussie agriculture,” Owen Johnston from Hop Products Australia said.
“Beers like First Harvest are a true demonstration of ‘bine to bottle’, in the same vein as ‘paddock to plate’, with only hours between the hops being harvested and arriving at the brewery. It’s a special opportunity for beer lovers.”
Cascade First Harvest is sold at the Cascade Brewery Bar and in pubs in Tasmania. The company is hosting a First Harvest day on Easter weekend where diners can experience tastings and listen to free live music on the lawn.
