Cascade
Alpha acid
4.5–9%
Beta acid
4.8–7.5%
Total oil
0.7–2.5 mL
United States
Samba
Alpha acid
8–12%
Beta acid
4–6%
Total oil
1.5–2.5 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Cascade
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
When to pick Samba
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Cascade
GrapefruitFloralSpicyCitrusPine
Only in Samba
TropicalPineappleMangoStone fruitCandyOrange
Property
| Property | Cascade | Samba |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 4.5–9% | 8–12% |
| Beta acid | 4.8–7.5% | 4–6% |
| Co-humulone | 30–40% | 28–32% |
| Total oil | 0.7–2.5 mL | 1.5–2.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 45–60% | - |
| Humulene | 8–20% | - |
| Caryophyllene | 3–9% | - |
| Farnesene | 3–9% | - |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Aroma |