CascadevsSummit

Cascade (dual purpose) and Summit (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

Summit

Bittering

Alpha acid

15–17.5%

Beta acid

4–6.5%

Total oil

1.5–3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Cascade

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

When to pick Summit

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

GrapefruitCitrus

Only in Cascade

FloralSpicyPine

Only in Summit

Black currantAniseIncenseOrangeTangerineEarthyOnionGarlicDankCannabis

Property

PropertyCascadeSummit
Alpha acid4.5–9%15–17.5%
Beta acid4.8–7.5%4–6.5%
Co-humulone30–40%26–33%
Total oil0.7–2.5 mL1.5–3 mL
Myrcene45–60%30–40%
Humulene8–20%18–22%
Caryophyllene3–9%12–16%
Farnesene3–9%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeBittering

Related comparisons