CascadevsContessa

Cascade (dual purpose) and Contessa (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Cascade

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

4.5–9%

Beta acid

4.8–7.5%

Total oil

0.7–2.5 mL

United States

Contessa

Bittering

Alpha acid

3–5%

Beta acid

5–7.4%

Total oil

0.8–1.9 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Cascade

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma

When to pick Contessa

  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Floral

Only in Cascade

GrapefruitSpicyCitrusPine

Only in Contessa

GreenLemongrassPear

Property

PropertyCascadeContessa
Alpha acid4.5–9%3–5%
Beta acid4.8–7.5%5–7.4%
Co-humulone30–40%29–32%
Total oil0.7–2.5 mL0.8–1.9 mL
Myrcene45–60%-
Humulene8–20%-
Caryophyllene3–9%-
Farnesene3–9%-
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeBittering

Related comparisons