CascadevsChallenger
Cascade and Challenger are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Cascade
Alpha acid
4.5–9%
Beta acid
4.8–7.5%
Total oil
0.7–2.5 mL
United States
Challenger
Alpha acid
6.5–9%
Beta acid
3–4.5%
Total oil
1–1.7 mL
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick Cascade
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Challenger
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Cascade
GrapefruitFloralSpicyCitrusPine
Only in Challenger
CedarGreenFruity
Property
| Property | Cascade | Challenger |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 4.5–9% | 6.5–9% |
| Beta acid | 4.8–7.5% | 3–4.5% |
| Co-humulone | 30–40% | 20–25% |
| Total oil | 0.7–2.5 mL | 1–1.7 mL |
| Myrcene | 45–60% | 30–42% |
| Humulene | 8–20% | 24–26% |
| Caryophyllene | 3–9% | 9–10% |
| Farnesene | 3–9% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |