Cascade
Alpha acid
4.5–9%
Beta acid
4.8–7.5%
Total oil
0.7–2.5 mL
United States
Saaz (US)
Alpha acid
3–4.5%
Beta acid
3–4.5%
Total oil
0.5–1 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Cascade
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Saaz (US)
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Cascade
GrapefruitFloralSpicyCitrusPine
Only in Saaz (US)
SlightlyEarthyNoble
Property
| Property | Cascade | Saaz (US) |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 4.5–9% | 3–4.5% |
| Beta acid | 4.8–7.5% | 3–4.5% |
| Co-humulone | 30–40% | 24–28% |
| Total oil | 0.7–2.5 mL | 0.5–1 mL |
| Myrcene | 45–60% | 25–30% |
| Humulene | 8–20% | 35–40% |
| Caryophyllene | 3–9% | 9–11% |
| Farnesene | 3–9% | 9–13% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Aroma |