CascadevsPioneer

Cascade and Pioneer 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

Pioneer

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

8–10.5%

Beta acid

3.5–4.5%

Total oil

1–1.8 mL

United Kingdom

Key differences

When to pick Cascade

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Pioneer

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Grapefruit

Only in Cascade

FloralSpicyCitrusPine

Only in Pioneer

CedarHerbalLemonCrispClean

Property

PropertyCascadePioneer
Alpha acid4.5–9%8–10.5%
Beta acid4.8–7.5%3.5–4.5%
Co-humulone30–40%36–40%
Total oil0.7–2.5 mL1–1.8 mL
Myrcene45–60%34–36%
Humulene8–20%18–25%
Caryophyllene3–9%-
Farnesene3–9%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited Kingdom
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

Related comparisons