LIMITED release beers are like a ‘lucky dip’ for your taste buds – you are never really sure about what you might get but from experience it’s usually pretty good.
Cascade have been bringing out a limited release drop called First Harvest for eight years now and after tasting this delightful ale, it’s easy to understand why it comes and goes very quickly.
As the name suggests, this ale uses the first hops and barley of the harvest season and the result is a wonderfully flavoursome beer which isn’t overpowering in its flavour.
First Harvest has a distinctive hop flavour to it and this can, in some cases, deliver a sharp bitterness which takes a bit of getting use to.
This isn’t the case with First Harvest with the aftertaste much smoother.
There’s a spice (almost herb) quality to this beer which has a wonderful full aroma which adds to its appreciation.
Funny how the smell of a good beer can enhance its appeal but these days, there more to drinking beer than just chugging it down (true story).
It has a rich coppery colour, a good creamy head and a lingering aftertaste which allows you to fully appreciate the flavours of the hops coming through.
Like many limited release beers, the flavour may vary from season to season but that’s what makes life interesting – comparing last year to this year’s brew.
At 5.5 percent, First Harvest packs a punch but like all good premier beers, again it isn’t so much a whack in the face, more like a cheeky little upper cut.
In other words this Cascade drop can sneak up on you so don’t plan on going anywhere after you have a few.
This is a limited release so you will need to move quickly to get some and you may have to order through your local bottlo.
First Harvest is an ale which has good sessionability but is a ‘filling’ drop though not a heavy beer which sit in your gut and makes you feel bloated.
I would suggest this as a starter before sitting down to a dinner such as roast like lamb or chicken or even some of your Greek-style lamb dishes rather than your heavier red meats.
This is definitely a beer to sit and appreciate at the end of the day.
MY TIP
Cascade First Harvest needs to be served cold and preferably in a glass which allows you to appreciate the bouquet, head and colour. I would plan on having a big session on the stuff because you’ll do yourself some damage. Sit back relax and savour the flours and qualities of a first rate premium beer. At around $23 for a six pack of 330ml stubbies, this isn’t a cheap beer but remember it is a limited release so if you can get your hands on some, make sure you get enough to put away for that ‘special occasion’.