Bramling CrossvsCascade

Bramling Cross and Cascade are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Bramling Cross

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–8%

Beta acid

2.3–3.2%

Total oil

0.7–1.2 mL

United Kingdom

Cascade

Dual purpose

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 Bramling Cross

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

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

Spicy

Only in Bramling Cross

Black currantLoganberryVanillaLemon

Only in Cascade

GrapefruitFloralCitrusPine

Property

PropertyBramling CrossCascade
Alpha acid5–8%4.5–9%
Beta acid2.3–3.2%4.8–7.5%
Co-humulone33–35%30–40%
Total oil0.7–1.2 mL0.7–2.5 mL
Myrcene35–37%45–60%
Humulene29–31%8–20%
Caryophyllene14–16%3–9%
Farnesene0–2%3–9%
OriginUnited KingdomUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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