African QueenvsCascade
African Queen and Cascade are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
African Queen
Alpha acid
10–17%
Beta acid
3.9–6.2%
Total oil
0.7–1.5 mL
South Africa
Cascade
Alpha acid
4.5–9%
Beta acid
4.8–7.5%
Total oil
0.7–2.5 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick African Queen
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Cascade
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Citrus
Only in African Queen
DankBlueberryStone fruitBlack currantGooseberryBubblegumCassisLemongrassChiliesGazpacho
Only in Cascade
GrapefruitFloralSpicyPine
Property
| Property | African Queen | Cascade |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 10–17% | 4.5–9% |
| Beta acid | 3.9–6.2% | 4.8–7.5% |
| Co-humulone | 22–30% | 30–40% |
| Total oil | 0.7–1.5 mL | 0.7–2.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 20–29% | 45–60% |
| Humulene | 21–30% | 8–20% |
| Caryophyllene | 10–17% | 3–9% |
| Farnesene | 5–7% | 3–9% |
| Origin | South Africa | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |