Cascade Figaro 750ML

Cascade Figaro 750ML 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.

Quick Facts: ABV: 8.4%  |  Origin: Portland, Oregon  |  Style: Wild Ale  |  Brewery: Cascade Brewing

Production & Heritage

Cascade 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.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: 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.

Taste: 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.

Finish: 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.

How to Drink Figaro

Figaro 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.

Best For

• Sharing at a curated bottle-share evening with sour ale enthusiasts
• Pairing with a cheese and charcuterie board as a wine-like alternative
• Gifting to a craft beer collector who values barrel-aged rarities
• Serving as a conversation-starting aperitif at a dinner party

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Figaro taste like? 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.

How does Figaro compare to Cascade Kriek? 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.

Is Figaro good for sipping neat? 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.

Where is Figaro made? 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.

What foods pair well with Figaro? 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.

What sizes does Figaro come in? Cascade Figaro is available in the standard 750ml bottle, a format consistent with Cascade Brewing's barrel-aged sour ale releases.

Is Figaro worth the price? 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.

Why Figaro?

What 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.