Cascade discontinues brew despite ‘cult following’
Fans of a much-loved Cascade product will be drowning their sorrows as its makers confirm they’ve stopped brewing it, and it will soon disappear from shelves. BEER LOVERS REACT >>
Tasmania
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THE dumping of a much-loved Cascade product is being lamented by those who have enjoyed it for decades, as its maker blames declining sales for the move to pull the pin on the brew.
Carlton and United Breweries have scrapped Cascade Stout, saying it had ceased brewing the product last year.
It has disappointed stout drinkers like Tasmanian expatriate Nick Hollins, who said he had been enjoying it for many years and liked to support the brand.
Mr Hollins, who now lives in Victoria, said he had tried to source the product at his local bottle shop for months without success, leading him to make inquiries with the company.
His worst fears were realised when he was told the product had been deleted.
“I was really disappointed when they told me,” he said. “It’s a lovely beer.”
Mr Hollins acknowledged Cascade Stout was likely not a mainstream product but believed it would have a strong following.
“It’s one of those beers. It’s not the beer you have every day but I’m sure it’s got a cult following,’’ he said.
A Carlton and United Breweries spokesman said the company stopped brewing Cascade Stout last year.
“Sales of Cascade Stout had been declining for some time. However, we constantly review our range and it may return in the future,’’ the spokesman said.
“While we understand this may disappoint some stout drinkers, we are continuing to invest in
Cascade Export Stout, which shares the same flavour profile as Cascade Stout and is selling well.
“In fact, we’ve recently expanded the Export Stout range to include kegs, meaning it can now be drunk on-tap at Tasmanian pubs as well as in stubbies.”
The company said it was continuing to invest in the Cascade Brewery, including a major upgrade to its bar last year, followed by the launch of a new Cascade bar at Hobart Airport.
Last year, production of another iconic Tasmanian beverage, Mercury Draught, was moved to CUB’s Abbotsford operation.
Carlton and United Breweries was acquired by global drinks company Asahi last year.