ColumbiavsCascade

Columbia and Cascade are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Columbia

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–9%

Beta acid

3–4%

Total oil

1–2 mL

United States

Cascade

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

4.5–9%

Beta acid

4.8–7.5%

Total oil

0.7–2.5 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Columbia

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

When to pick Cascade

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Citrus

Only in Columbia

PineappleLemonNoblePungent

Only in Cascade

GrapefruitFloralSpicyPine

Property

PropertyColumbiaCascade
Alpha acid5–9%4.5–9%
Beta acid3–4%4.8–7.5%
Co-humulone40%30–40%
Total oil1–2 mL0.7–2.5 mL
Myrcene45–55%45–60%
Humulene15–19%8–20%
Caryophyllene9–12%3–9%
Farnesene3–5%3–9%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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