CascadevsVic Secret

Cascade and Vic Secret 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

Vic Secret

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

14–21.8%

Beta acid

5.7–8.7%

Total oil

1.9–2.8 mL

Australia

Key differences

When to pick Cascade

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Vic Secret

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Pine

Only in Cascade

GrapefruitFloralSpicyCitrus

Only in Vic Secret

TropicalPineapplePassion fruitHerbalEarthy

Property

PropertyCascadeVic Secret
Alpha acid4.5–9%14–21.8%
Beta acid4.8–7.5%5.7–8.7%
Co-humulone30–40%51–57%
Total oil0.7–2.5 mL1.9–2.8 mL
Myrcene45–60%31–46%
Humulene8–20%9–21%
Caryophyllene3–9%9–15%
Farnesene3–9%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesAustralia
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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