CascadevsEmerald Spire
Cascade and Emerald Spire are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Cascade
Alpha acid
4.5–9%
Beta acid
4.8–7.5%
Total oil
0.7–2.5 mL
United States
Emerald Spire
Alpha acid
8.6–13%
Beta acid
3.5–4.5%
Total oil
-
United States
Key differences
When to pick Cascade
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
When to pick Emerald Spire
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Cascade
GrapefruitFloralSpicyCitrusPine
Only in Emerald Spire
PeachFruityWhiteGrapesWatermelonBubbleMelonHoneydew
Property
| Property | Cascade | Emerald Spire |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 4.5–9% | 8.6–13% |
| Beta acid | 4.8–7.5% | 3.5–4.5% |
| Co-humulone | 30–40% | 38–39% |
| Total oil | 0.7–2.5 mL | - |
| Myrcene | 45–60% | 36–37% |
| Humulene | 8–20% | 10–11% |
| Caryophyllene | 3–9% | 7–8% |
| Farnesene | 3–9% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |