CascadevsColumbus

Cascade and Columbus 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

Columbus

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

14–18%

Beta acid

4.5–6%

Total oil

2.5–4.5 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Cascade

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

When to pick Columbus

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

FloralSpicyCitrus

Only in Cascade

GrapefruitPine

Only in Columbus

EarthyBlack currantLicoriceCurryPungentDankCannabis

Property

PropertyCascadeColumbus
Alpha acid4.5–9%14–18%
Beta acid4.8–7.5%4.5–6%
Co-humulone30–40%28–35%
Total oil0.7–2.5 mL2.5–4.5 mL
Myrcene45–60%45–55%
Humulene8–20%9–14%
Caryophyllene3–9%6–10%
Farnesene3–9%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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