Cascade

Hop Variety

Cascade

Origin

US

Alpha Acid %

4 – 6%

Beta Acid %

6%

Background

The Cascade variety of hop seems to reach new levels of popularity with every passing brew. It was originally released in 1971 being bred by the US department of agricultures hop breeding program.

Bred from parents which include the English Fuggles variety and the Russian Serebrianka it shares similar bittering qualities to the German variety of Hallertauer Mittelfrueh but the aroma qualities are vastly different.

Brewing Attributes

Cascade is a hop that almost encapsulates US craft beer, bold, robust and full of flavour. Used for both bittering and aroma purposes it has a distinct citrus, floral character that means it can usually be picked out by aroma alone.

The cohumulone levels are what sets Cascade apart from varieties like Mittelfrueh mentioned previously. The most common descriptor of the aroma quality would be grapefruit and pine, and this combination makes it ideal for American Pale ales.

Possible Substitutions

Centennial are said to be a good aroma substitute for cascade although the alpha acids are much higher. They are often referred to as a supercharged version of cascade.

Commercial Examples

Many commercial examples of Cascade hopped beers are available especially in American style pale and amber ales. They are used extensively in the US as an aroma hop.