Cascade
Alpha acid
4.5–9%
Beta acid
4.8–7.5%
Total oil
0.7–2.5 mL
United States
El Dorado
Alpha acid
13–17%
Beta acid
6.4–8%
Total oil
2.5–3.3 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 El Dorado
- 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
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Cascade
GrapefruitFloralSpicyCitrusPine
Only in El Dorado
FruityTropicalPearWatermelonCandyStone fruit
Property
| Property | Cascade | El Dorado |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 4.5–9% | 13–17% |
| Beta acid | 4.8–7.5% | 6.4–8% |
| Co-humulone | 30–40% | 28–33% |
| Total oil | 0.7–2.5 mL | 2.5–3.3 mL |
| Myrcene | 45–60% | 55–60% |
| Humulene | 8–20% | 10–15% |
| Caryophyllene | 3–9% | 6–8% |
| Farnesene | 3–9% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |