CascadevsFirst Gold
Cascade and First Gold 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
First Gold
Alpha acid
5.6–10%
Beta acid
2.3–4.1%
Total oil
0.7–1.5 mL
United Kingdom
Key differences
When to pick Cascade
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
When to pick First Gold
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
FloralSpicy
Only in Cascade
GrapefruitCitrusPine
Only in First Gold
TangerineApricotMagnoliaRedberryHerbalOrangeHerbal
Property
| Property | Cascade | First Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 4.5–9% | 5.6–10% |
| Beta acid | 4.8–7.5% | 2.3–4.1% |
| Co-humulone | 30–40% | 29–35% |
| Total oil | 0.7–2.5 mL | 0.7–1.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 45–60% | 24–28% |
| Humulene | 8–20% | 20–24% |
| Caryophyllene | 3–9% | 6–7% |
| Farnesene | 3–9% | 2–4% |
| Origin | United States | United Kingdom |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |