{"title":"Cascade Brewing","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"cascade-figaro-750ml","title":"Cascade Figaro 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCascade Figaro 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Chardonnay barrel-aged wild ale from Cascade Brewing in Portland, Oregon, bottled at 8.4% ABV in a 750ml format. It earned a 93 score on BeerAdvocate across more than 500 ratings, placing it among the most acclaimed expressions in Cascade's sour ale portfolio.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 8.4%  |  Origin: Portland, Oregon  |  Style: Wild Ale  |  Brewery: Cascade Brewing\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCascade Brewing has established itself as a pioneer of the American sour ale movement, operating out of Portland, Oregon, and earning the nickname \"The House of Sour.\" Figaro begins as a strong blond ale that is aged in fresh Chardonnay barrels for up to 18 months, during which time the beer develops its vinous, wine-like character. The liquid is then further conditioned with dried Adriatic white figs and Spanish lemon peel, two adjuncts that distinguish it from the fruit-forward cherry and apricot expressions that dominate Cascade's lineup.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sweet malts and dried figs greet the nose first, followed by raisin, citrus zest, and a subtle undercurrent of Chardonnay grapes. The overall impression is elegant and inviting, with the fig character anchoring a layered bouquet.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is moderately tart, with flavors of dried fig and green grape rolling across the palate immediately. Mid-palate brings vinous white wine qualities, apple skin, and hints of lemon peel that bridge the fruit and barrel character. At its peak, the Chardonnay barrel influence is unmistakable — the beer carries an almost wine-like body with complex layers of plum, raisin, and oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e A crisp lemon sharpness defines the finish, cutting cleanly through the residual sweetness of the figs. A lingering sweetness stays on the tongue, balanced by a tart, dry close that invites the next sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Figaro\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFigaro is best served at cellar temperature — around 50–55°F — in a tulip glass or wine goblet that concentrates its layered aromatics. Pour it slowly to preserve carbonation and allow the fig and citrus notes to open up fully. For a wild ale spritz, combine a small measure with sparkling water and a twist of lemon peel to extend the citrus brightness. In a sour shandy, blend it with fresh lemonade for a refreshing warm-weather drink that highlights the Spanish lemon peel character. As a beer cocktail base in a fig-forward Berliner-style mix, pair it with a splash of fig liqueur and a dash of bitters for an aperitif-style serve.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSharing at a curated bottle-share evening with sour ale enthusiasts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a cheese and charcuterie board as a wine-like alternative\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to a craft beer collector who values barrel-aged rarities\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eServing as a conversation-starting aperitif at a dinner party\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Figaro taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Cascade Figaro delivers moderately tart flavors of dried fig, green grape, apple skin, and lemon peel layered over a vinous, Chardonnay-like backbone. The finish is crisp and citrus-driven with a lingering sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Figaro compare to Cascade Kriek?\u003c\/strong\u003e While Cascade Kriek is a sour red ale aged with Bing and sour pie cherries — delivering a bold, cherry-forward tartness — Figaro is built on a blond ale base aged in Chardonnay barrels with figs and lemon peel, resulting in a more wine-like, delicate profile. Both score highly among Cascade's range, but Figaro leans toward elegance where Kriek leans toward intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Figaro good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Figaro is ideally suited for slow, contemplative sipping from a tulip glass at cellar temperature, where its complex layers of fig, citrus, and barrel character can be fully appreciated. Its 8.4% ABV and layered complexity reward patience.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Figaro made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Figaro is produced by Cascade Brewing in Portland, Oregon, a brewery recognized as one of the founding houses of American sour ale production. The beer is barrel-aged on-site in fresh Chardonnay barrels.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Figaro?\u003c\/strong\u003e Aged goat cheese complements the tartness and fig sweetness. Prosciutto-wrapped figs echo and amplify the dried fruit character. Roasted chicken with lemon and herbs mirrors the citrus peel notes. A pear and arugula salad with blue cheese provides a peppery, tangy counterpoint. Crème brûlée or a fig tart bridges the beer's sweetness and acidity in a dessert course.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Figaro come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Cascade Figaro is available in the standard 750ml bottle, a format consistent with Cascade Brewing's barrel-aged sour ale releases.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Figaro worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Figaro positions as a premium barrel-aged wild ale, and its price reflects the extended Chardonnay barrel aging, specialty adjuncts like Adriatic figs and Spanish lemon peel, and the labor-intensive blending process. With a 93 on BeerAdvocate and strong community ratings, it represents solid value within the American wild ale category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Figaro?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates Figaro from the crowded field of American sour ales is its singular combination of Chardonnay barrel aging with dried Adriatic white figs and Spanish lemon peel — ingredients rarely seen together in any brewery's portfolio. The result is a wild ale that drinks closer to a still wine than a conventional sour, with a complexity that has earned it a 93 on BeerAdvocate. Cascade Brewing's deep expertise in blending and barrel management gives Figaro a polish and balance that fruit-forward sours from less experienced producers rarely achieve. For anyone seeking a sour ale that rewards attention and pairs as naturally with a cheese course as it does with quiet reflection, Figaro is one of the strongest arguments in the category.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cascade Brewing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838100828329,"sku":"35031","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"cascade-strawberry-750ml","title":"Cascade Strawberry 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCascade Strawberry 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 7.5% ABV American Wild Ale from Cascade Brewing in Portland, Oregon, blending wheat and blonde ales aged in oak wine barrels with strawberries. This now-discontinued expression earned an 89 on BeerAdvocate across more than 500 ratings, solidifying its reputation as one of the Pacific Northwest's benchmark fruit sours.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 7.5%  |  Origin: Portland, Oregon, USA  |  Style: American Wild Ale \/ NW Sour Ale  |  Brewery: Cascade Brewing\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCascade Brewing has operated as a pioneer of the American sour beer movement since 2006 and is widely credited as the innovator of the Northwest Sour Ale style. For Cascade Strawberry, the brewery blended wheat and blonde ales that were first aged in oak wine barrels for approximately seven months, then conditioned on whole strawberries and vanilla beans for an additional eight months — bringing total barrel contact to roughly fifteen months. The use of wine barrels rather than spirit casks gives the base beer a vinous acidity that integrates naturally with the fruit, while the vanilla beans provide a subtle counterpoint to the tartness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright, sweet strawberry dominates on the nose, joined by light candy-like berry notes and a soft vanilla undercurrent. A faint oak presence and mild funk round out the bouquet.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is crisp and tart, led by ripe strawberry that quickly moves into a moderately funky mid-palate balanced by gentle wheat softness. At peak, fruit-preserve sweetness and tangy acidity vie for attention, with a whisper of oak and vanilla beans adding depth without heaviness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is sparkling and refreshingly tart, with lingering fresh berry notes that fade cleanly. A subtle oak dryness emerges in the final seconds, encouraging another sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Cascade Strawberry\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eServe chilled at 45–50°F in a tulip glass or wine goblet to concentrate the aromatics. This sour ale is best enjoyed on its own to appreciate the layered fruit-and-oak character, though it also works in beer-forward mixed drinks. A \u003cstrong\u003eBerliner Shandy\u003c\/strong\u003e — combining the sour ale with fresh lemonade — amplifies the tartness for warm-weather drinking. A \u003cstrong\u003eSour Mimosa\u003c\/strong\u003e, replacing champagne with Cascade Strawberry alongside a splash of orange juice, takes advantage of the beer's natural effervescence and fruit profile. A \u003cstrong\u003eBerry Radler\u003c\/strong\u003e, blending it with sparkling water and a dash of elderflower liqueur, creates a low-proof, aromatic spritz.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a sour beer enthusiast who collects discontinued releases\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing at a cheese-and-charcuterie gathering\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCelebrating warm-weather milestones with a sessionable yet complex pour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdding a rare bottle to a curated sour ale cellar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Cascade Strawberry taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Cascade Strawberry delivers bright, tart strawberry flavor balanced by gentle vanilla sweetness, moderate funk, and a light oak backbone from extended wine-barrel aging.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Cascade Strawberry compare to Almanac Farmer's Reserve Strawberry?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are barrel-aged sour ales featuring strawberries, but Cascade Strawberry uses a wheat-and-blonde-ale base aged in wine barrels with vanilla beans, while Almanac Farmer's Reserve Strawberry leans on a sour blonde base aged in wine barrels without vanilla, resulting in a leaner, more purely acidic profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Cascade Strawberry good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its layered complexity of fruit, oak, and vanilla makes it an excellent standalone sipper, especially when served in a tulip glass at cellar temperature to let the aromatics open fully.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Cascade Strawberry made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Cascade Strawberry is produced by Cascade Brewing in Portland, Oregon, a brewery recognized as one of the founding houses of the American sour beer renaissance since 2006.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Cascade Strawberry?\u003c\/strong\u003e Creamy goat cheese complements the tartness; prosciutto and melon echo its fruity sweetness; dark chocolate balances the acidity with richness; a fresh arugula-and-strawberry salad mirrors the berry notes; and grilled pork with a berry glaze creates a savory-tart bridge.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Cascade Strawberry come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Cascade Strawberry was released in the standard 750ml bottle format commonly used for Cascade Brewing's sour ale program.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Cascade Strawberry worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e As a discontinued, oak-aged sour ale from a pioneering Northwest brewery, Cascade Strawberry positions in the premium craft tier and holds collectible value for fans of the style, making remaining bottles increasingly sought after.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Cascade Strawberry?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCascade Brewing essentially defined the Northwest Sour Ale category, and Cascade Strawberry stands as one of its most approachable yet layered expressions. The dual-aging process — first in oak wine barrels, then on whole strawberries and vanilla beans — creates a depth uncommon in fruit sours, moving well beyond simple berry tartness into wine-like complexity. An 89 on BeerAdvocate and nearly 13,000 Untappd check-ins speak to its broad appeal and critical respect. With production now ceased, each remaining 750ml bottle represents both a piece of American sour brewing history and a genuinely rewarding drinking experience.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cascade Brewing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838100959401,"sku":"35030","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/cascade-brewing.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}