Cascade
Alpha acid
4.5–9%
Beta acid
4.8–7.5%
Total oil
0.7–2.5 mL
United States
Hydra
Alpha acid
10.5–13.7%
Beta acid
6.4–7.9%
Total oil
-
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 Hydra
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Citrus
Only in Cascade
GrapefruitFloralSpicyPine
Only in Hydra
TangerineMandarinZestResinLimeBerryPeachWatermelonRoseApricotTropical
Property
| Property | Cascade | Hydra |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 4.5–9% | 10.5–13.7% |
| Beta acid | 4.8–7.5% | 6.4–7.9% |
| Co-humulone | 30–40% | 27–28% |
| Total oil | 0.7–2.5 mL | - |
| Myrcene | 45–60% | 54–55% |
| Humulene | 8–20% | 11–12% |
| Caryophyllene | 3–9% | 8–9% |
| Farnesene | 3–9% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |