CascadevsEroica

Cascade (dual purpose) and Eroica (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

Eroica

Bittering

Alpha acid

7.3–14.9%

Beta acid

3–5.3%

Total oil

0.8–1.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Cascade

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Eroica

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Cascade

GrapefruitFloralSpicyCitrusPine

Only in Eroica

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Property

PropertyCascadeEroica
Alpha acid4.5–9%7.3–14.9%
Beta acid4.8–7.5%3–5.3%
Co-humulone30–40%40%
Total oil0.7–2.5 mL0.8–1.3 mL
Myrcene45–60%55–65%
Humulene8–20%0–1%
Caryophyllene3–9%7–13%
Farnesene3–9%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeBittering

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