Cascade
Alpha acid
4.5–9%
Beta acid
4.8–7.5%
Total oil
0.7–2.5 mL
United States
Idaho Gem
Alpha acid
11–14%
Beta acid
5–7%
Total oil
1.3–2.3 mL
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 Idaho Gem
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
SpicyCitrus
Only in Cascade
GrapefruitFloralPine
Only in Idaho Gem
PineappleCherryCandiedHerbalMintStone fruitRedberryMojitoSweet
Property
| Property | Cascade | Idaho Gem |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 4.5–9% | 11–14% |
| Beta acid | 4.8–7.5% | 5–7% |
| Co-humulone | 30–40% | 40–45% |
| Total oil | 0.7–2.5 mL | 1.3–2.3 mL |
| Myrcene | 45–60% | - |
| Humulene | 8–20% | - |
| Caryophyllene | 3–9% | - |
| Farnesene | 3–9% | - |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |