CascadevsNugget

Cascade and Nugget 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

Nugget

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9.5–16%

Beta acid

3–5.8%

Total oil

0.9–3.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Cascade

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

When to pick Nugget

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Citrus

Only in Cascade

GrapefruitFloralSpicyPine

Only in Nugget

HerbalGingerPineappleGeraniumLycheeHerbalEarthyCoconut

Property

PropertyCascadeNugget
Alpha acid4.5–9%9.5–16%
Beta acid4.8–7.5%3–5.8%
Co-humulone30–40%22–30%
Total oil0.7–2.5 mL0.9–3.3 mL
Myrcene45–60%48–59%
Humulene8–20%12–22%
Caryophyllene3–9%7–10%
Farnesene3–9%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

Related comparisons