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

The historic milestone is also being marked with commemorative labels on Cascade Pale Ale bottles and a special design on the slab packaging, based on the longloved beer’s historic labelling and featuring a photo of the brewery from the 1800s. Only 6000 limited-edition slabs will be made.

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 fivegallon keg of fresh Cascade beer.

Brewery Manager Jesse Cartwright said the local love that generations of 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 on-site ever since – except for a three-month stretch in 1967 when production moved to Melbourne after the devastating Black Tuesday fires nearly destroyed the brewery.”

“While the style of the beer has changed with the times, it has always been brewed with the finest ingredients and is still brewed at full strength 5% ABV.

Cascade Brewery is Australia’s oldest. The brewery and bar employ more than 80 people and help support hundreds of local businesses, standing as a unique example of Australia’s industrial heritage.

The iconic brewery will be lit up in its signature green at night for the next week, giving visitors a different perspective on the historic building.

Cascade Brewery is a proud part of Asahi Beverages.

“Cascade has been enjoyed by generation of Tasmanians. This is because we use the freshest water from Kunanyi/Mount Wellington, the finest ingredients, and have an 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.