CascadevsPolaris

Cascade and Polaris 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

Polaris

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

18–23%

Beta acid

4.5–6.5%

Total oil

4–5 mL

Germany

Key differences

When to pick Cascade

  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Polaris

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Cascade

GrapefruitFloralSpicyCitrusPine

Only in Polaris

MintMentholPineapple

Property

PropertyCascadePolaris
Alpha acid4.5–9%18–23%
Beta acid4.8–7.5%4.5–6.5%
Co-humulone30–40%22–29%
Total oil0.7–2.5 mL4–5 mL
Myrcene45–60%49–51%
Humulene8–20%20–35%
Caryophyllene3–9%8–13%
Farnesene3–9%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesGermany
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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