Hospitality Review: October/November 2024

Cascade 200th Anniversary INDUSTRY FEATURE

Over the past two centuries, Cascade Brewery has weathered colonial challenges, survived natural disasters and evolved with the times. Through it all, Cascade has remained true to its roots, brewing with the same dedication and quality that first put it on the map. 2024 marks the 200th anniversary, a significant milestone for one of Tasmania’s iconic landmarks. Cascade Brewery is Australia’s oldest brewery and a leading tourist destination. It is also an important part of the Tasmanian community, employing more than 80 people and supporting hundreds of local businesses. It stands as a unique example of Australia’s industrial heritage. The original historic homestead remains and is home to the Cascade Brewery Bar. Its doors and heritage beer garden are open to the public seven days a week, serving up the best of Tasmania in a glass, on a plate and accompanied by our warm Hobart hospitality.

on kunyani / Mount Wellington by the Government to found the Cascade sawmill to support the development of Hobart. Two years after their arrival, Degraves would be taken into custody for debts allegedly owed back in England and serve five years in a Hobart prison. It was during this period, having plenty of time to reflect, Degraves realised the pure waters flowing from kunanyi / Mount Wellington could be harnessed for a brewery. Early in 1832 Degraves began building the Cascade Brewery, vowing to brew “genuine beer… beer that cannot be excelled in this colony”. Cascade Brewery remained in the Degraves family for several decades following its establishment, with subsequent generations continuing the legacy of brewing excellence. However, in the late 19th century, the brewery underwent changes in ownership.

Family Connections spanning 200 years

Generations of families have worked at Cascade across the two centuries. The Oakes family, for instance, has been with the brewery for four generations. Court Oakes began in 1912 and remained on the payroll for 60 years, until the day he died in his 90s. As the brewery ranger,

Early Origins and founders backgrounds

In 1824 British settlers Hugh Macintosh and his brother- in-law Peter Degraves were granted 2000 acres of land

54 Tasmanian Hospitality Review Oct/Nov Edition

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