Cascade
Alpha acid
4.5–9%
Beta acid
4.8–7.5%
Total oil
0.7–2.5 mL
United States
Defender
Alpha acid
3.3–6%
Beta acid
1.1–2.5%
Total oil
0.28–0.98 mL
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick Cascade
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Defender
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Cascade
GrapefruitFloralSpicyCitrusPine
Only in Defender
Pleasant
Property
| Property | Cascade | Defender |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 4.5–9% | 3.3–6% |
| Beta acid | 4.8–7.5% | 1.1–2.5% |
| Co-humulone | 30–40% | 23–32% |
| Total oil | 0.7–2.5 mL | 0.28–0.98 mL |
| Myrcene | 45–60% | 30–32% |
| Humulene | 8–20% | 34–36% |
| Caryophyllene | 3–9% | 13–15% |
| Farnesene | 3–9% | 3–4% |
| Origin | United States | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Aroma |