ContessavsCascade

Contessa (bittering) and Cascade (dual purpose) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Contessa

Bittering

Alpha acid

3–5%

Beta acid

5–7.4%

Total oil

0.8–1.9 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 Contessa

  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash

When to pick Cascade

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Floral

Only in Contessa

GreenLemongrassPear

Only in Cascade

GrapefruitSpicyCitrusPine

Property

PropertyContessaCascade
Alpha acid3–5%4.5–9%
Beta acid5–7.4%4.8–7.5%
Co-humulone29–32%30–40%
Total oil0.8–1.9 mL0.7–2.5 mL
Myrcene-45–60%
Humulene-8–20%
Caryophyllene-3–9%
Farnesene-3–9%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeBitteringDual purpose

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