CascadevsMarco Polo
Cascade and Marco Polo 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
Marco Polo
Alpha acid
12–13%
Beta acid
4.5–5.5%
Total oil
-
China
Key differences
When to pick Cascade
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Marco Polo
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Cascade
GrapefruitFloralSpicyCitrusPine
Only in Marco Polo
GooseberryOreganoElderflower
Property
| Property | Cascade | Marco Polo |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 4.5–9% | 12–13% |
| Beta acid | 4.8–7.5% | 4.5–5.5% |
| Co-humulone | 30–40% | 30–35% |
| Total oil | 0.7–2.5 mL | - |
| Myrcene | 45–60% | 40–50% |
| Humulene | 8–20% | 15–25% |
| Caryophyllene | 3–9% | 8–12% |
| Farnesene | 3–9% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | China |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |