CascadevsWillamette
Cascade and Willamette are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Cascade
Alpha acid
4.5–9%
Beta acid
4.8–7.5%
Total oil
0.7–2.5 mL
United States
Willamette
Alpha acid
4–7.2%
Beta acid
3–4.5%
Total oil
0.6–1.6 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
When to pick Willamette
No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
FloralCitrus
Only in Cascade
GrapefruitSpicyPine
Only in Willamette
IncenseElderberryCaramelCurry
Property
| Property | Cascade | Willamette |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 4.5–9% | 4–7.2% |
| Beta acid | 4.8–7.5% | 3–4.5% |
| Co-humulone | 30–40% | 28–35% |
| Total oil | 0.7–2.5 mL | 0.6–1.6 mL |
| Myrcene | 45–60% | 30–40% |
| Humulene | 8–20% | 20–27% |
| Caryophyllene | 3–9% | 7–8% |
| Farnesene | 3–9% | 5–6% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |
Fuggle