CascadevsBramling Cross

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

Cascade

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

4.5–9%

Beta acid

4.8–7.5%

Total oil

0.7–2.5 mL

United States

Bramling Cross

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–8%

Beta acid

2.3–3.2%

Total oil

0.7–1.2 mL

United Kingdom

Key differences

When to pick Cascade

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Bramling Cross

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Spicy

Only in Cascade

GrapefruitFloralCitrusPine

Only in Bramling Cross

Black currantLoganberryVanillaLemon

Property

PropertyCascadeBramling Cross
Alpha acid4.5–9%5–8%
Beta acid4.8–7.5%2.3–3.2%
Co-humulone30–40%33–35%
Total oil0.7–2.5 mL0.7–1.2 mL
Myrcene45–60%35–37%
Humulene8–20%29–31%
Caryophyllene3–9%14–16%
Farnesene3–9%0–2%
OriginUnited StatesUnited Kingdom
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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