Cascade
Alpha acid
4.5–9%
Beta acid
4.8–7.5%
Total oil
0.7–2.5 mL
United States
Herkules
Alpha acid
12–17%
Beta acid
4–5.5%
Total oil
1.4–2.4 mL
Germany
Key differences
When to pick Cascade
- 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 Herkules
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Citrus
Only in Cascade
GrapefruitFloralSpicyPine
Only in Herkules
Melon
Property
| Property | Cascade | Herkules |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 4.5–9% | 12–17% |
| Beta acid | 4.8–7.5% | 4–5.5% |
| Co-humulone | 30–40% | 32–38% |
| Total oil | 0.7–2.5 mL | 1.4–2.4 mL |
| Myrcene | 45–60% | 30–50% |
| Humulene | 8–20% | 30–45% |
| Caryophyllene | 3–9% | 7–12% |
| Farnesene | 3–9% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | Germany |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Bittering |