CascadevsSouthern Tropic

Cascade (dual purpose) and Southern Tropic (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

Southern Tropic

Bittering

Alpha acid

12.6–18.1%

Beta acid

5–6.5%

Total oil

-

South Africa

Key differences

When to pick Cascade

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma

When to pick Southern Tropic

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Citrus

Only in Cascade

GrapefruitFloralSpicyPine

Only in Southern Tropic

MelonTroicalGuavaButterscotchLemongrassCoconutPungentPineappleBubblegum

Property

PropertyCascadeSouthern Tropic
Alpha acid4.5–9%12.6–18.1%
Beta acid4.8–7.5%5–6.5%
Co-humulone30–40%26–30%
Total oil0.7–2.5 mL-
Myrcene45–60%19–46%
Humulene8–20%14–40%
Caryophyllene3–9%6–14%
Farnesene3–9%8–11%
OriginUnited StatesSouth Africa
PurposeDual purposeBittering

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