CascadevsColumbia

Cascade and Columbia 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

Columbia

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–9%

Beta acid

3–4%

Total oil

1–2 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Cascade

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

When to pick Columbia

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Citrus

Only in Cascade

GrapefruitFloralSpicyPine

Only in Columbia

PineappleLemonNoblePungent

Property

PropertyCascadeColumbia
Alpha acid4.5–9%5–9%
Beta acid4.8–7.5%3–4%
Co-humulone30–40%40%
Total oil0.7–2.5 mL1–2 mL
Myrcene45–60%45–55%
Humulene8–20%15–19%
Caryophyllene3–9%9–12%
Farnesene3–9%3–5%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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