CascadevsMinstrel

Cascade and Minstrel are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Cascade

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

4.5–9%

Beta acid

4.8–7.5%

Total oil

0.7–2.5 mL

United States

Minstrel

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–7%

Beta acid

3–3.5%

Total oil

0.5–0.7 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 Minstrel

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Spicy

Only in Cascade

GrapefruitFloralCitrusPine

Only in Minstrel

HerbalBerryOrange

Property

PropertyCascadeMinstrel
Alpha acid4.5–9%5–7%
Beta acid4.8–7.5%3–3.5%
Co-humulone30–40%22–26%
Total oil0.7–2.5 mL0.5–0.7 mL
Myrcene45–60%22–25%
Humulene8–20%1–4%
Caryophyllene3–9%-
Farnesene3–9%7–9%
OriginUnited StatesUnited Kingdom
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

Related comparisons