CascadevsOlympic

Cascade and Olympic 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

Olympic

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

10.6–13.8%

Beta acid

3.8–6.1%

Total oil

0.86–2.55 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Cascade

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Olympic

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

SpicyCitrus

Only in Cascade

GrapefruitFloralPine

Only in Olympic

-

Property

PropertyCascadeOlympic
Alpha acid4.5–9%10.6–13.8%
Beta acid4.8–7.5%3.8–6.1%
Co-humulone30–40%31%
Total oil0.7–2.5 mL0.86–2.55 mL
Myrcene45–60%45–55%
Humulene8–20%9–13%
Caryophyllene3–9%7–12%
Farnesene3–9%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

Related comparisons