CascadevsPahto

Cascade (dual purpose) and Pahto (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Cascade

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

4.5–9%

Beta acid

4.8–7.5%

Total oil

0.7–2.5 mL

United States

Pahto

Bittering

Alpha acid

17–20%

Beta acid

4.5–6%

Total oil

1–2.5 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Cascade

  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma

When to pick Pahto

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Cascade

GrapefruitFloralSpicyCitrusPine

Only in Pahto

NeutralHerbalEarthyCleanSmooth

Property

PropertyCascadePahto
Alpha acid4.5–9%17–20%
Beta acid4.8–7.5%4.5–6%
Co-humulone30–40%26–32%
Total oil0.7–2.5 mL1–2.5 mL
Myrcene45–60%58–72%
Humulene8–20%8–11%
Caryophyllene3–9%3–6%
Farnesene3–9%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeBittering

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