As the weather warms the beer media releases come thicker than mosquitos at a barbeque. When they are accompanied by a six-pack they are usually – though not always – more welcome than insects though. One that turned up this week with the media relase below was a six-pack of Cascade Blonde which I hadn’t tried for a quite a while.

Given it is labelled as ‘Original Wheat Beer’ it was a little surprising to drink it and be reminded more a Kolsch than the Redback from Cascade’s CUB stablemate, Matilda Bay. I spoke with Cascade head brewer Mike Unsworth who said that the beer still has the fifty/fifty split of pale malt and wheat malt of the Hefeweizen style but uses a lager yeast, but fermentation takes place at a slightly higher temperature.

“The yeast throws off some nice fruity esters, but doesn’t have the same strong flavour as the yeast used by Redback,” Mike said.

“It’s got a good balance of fruitiness while the Cascade hops we use give it some citrus too.”

Mike said it’s based on the blonde lagers of France with the wheat used to give some smooth flavours and nice refreshment. It certainly does that and if you’re looking for a lighter-style ale, such as the Kolschs that many breweries are offering up these days, this will fit neatly into that category. [MK]

Media Release

Summer calls for Blonde, Pure and Pale

Cascade Brewery Co is set to welcome the much anticipated summer months with hero brews, Blonde, Pure and Pale Ale. Whether it’s a barbecue with friends and family or get-togethers in the sun with mates, Cascade beers are ideal for any occasion.

It’s well-known that a hot summer’s day and beer go hand in hand, and the team of brewers at Cascade have made sure that their quality brews are as fresh as possible, to maximise your enjoyment during the warmer months. With more than 180 years of brewing experience, Cascade is committed to upholding traditional brewing practices, and this is reflected through the instinct and experience of the brewing team, who craft the beers with the philosophy of ‘Brew by Feel’.

“We take our beer very seriously here at Cascade and we are proud to say that our expertise and the use of quality ingredients help us deliver the freshest beer we possibly can,” said head brewer, Mike Unsworth.

As one of Australia’s most iconic beer brands, Cascade’s diverse range of brews holds a significant place in Australia’s brewing history. All Cascade beers are brewed with a commitment to providing Australians with refreshing and approachable beers that offer great value and are readily available.

Cascade Blonde

Brewed with a blend of barley and wheat malts, Cascade Blonde is then hopped to give a light bitterness and citrus note. This clean, easy drinking blend is an ideal refreshing beer for a summer’s afternoon.

With a soft mouth feel, this pale straw coloured lager works well with seafood, summer salads and tropical fruits.

Try with freshly seared salmon, drizzled with lemon and aioli – an ideal accompaniment to the citrus Cascade hops of Cascade Blonde.

Cascade Blonde 375ml, ABV 4.8%, RRP $15.99/six pack

Cascade Pale Ale

Australia’s original pale ale, dating back to 1832 and known to Tasmanians simply as ‘Green’, Cascade Pale Ale is a rich, full flavoured and authentic brew combining strong malt notes, fruity aromas and crisp hop bitterness.

Cascade Pale Ale has an authentic European heritage. It’s one of the oldest continually brewed beers, winning its first award way back in the 1880s, and has been one of the favourite brews in the Cascade family ever since.

The refreshing, crisp character of Cascade Pale Ale makes it a perfect match to barbecued seafood or a classic ploughman’s lunch.

Cascade Pale Ale 375ml, ABV 5.0%, RRP $15.99/six pack

Cascade Pure

One of the few certified carbon neutral beers available in Australia, the name Cascade Pure reflects not only our commitment to environmental sustainability but also the quality of the beer – from the local Tasmanian ingredients, including Galaxy hops with their unique flavour profile, to the fact that nothing artificial is added throughout the brewing process.

With a third less carbohydrates than a regular full-strength beer, fans can enjoy Cascade Pure’s all-malt, full-flavoured and refreshing citrus taste with the assurance that the beer they’re drinking has acco unted for every single carbon emission – right from the picking of the hops to the moment the Cascade Pure bottle hits the recycling bin and everything in between.

Cascade Pure’s carbon footprint is 100% offset and is certified under the National Carbon Offset Standard (NCOS) Carbon Neutral Program, an Australian Government initiative.

Cascade Pure 330ml, ABV 4.5%, RRP $15.99/six pack

Cascade Blonde, Cascade Pure and Cascade Pale Ale are available at major retailers nationally and on tap at selected pubs and bars nationally.