CascadevsCluster

Cascade and Cluster 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

Cluster

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5.5–9%

Beta acid

4.5–6%

Total oil

0.4–1 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Cascade

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Cluster

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Floral

Only in Cascade

GrapefruitSpicyCitrusPine

Only in Cluster

EarthySweet

Property

PropertyCascadeCluster
Alpha acid4.5–9%5.5–9%
Beta acid4.8–7.5%4.5–6%
Co-humulone30–40%33–43%
Total oil0.7–2.5 mL0.4–1 mL
Myrcene45–60%38–46%
Humulene8–20%15–20%
Caryophyllene3–9%8–10%
Farnesene3–9%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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