El DoradovsCascade

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

El Dorado

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

13–17%

Beta acid

6.4–8%

Total oil

2.5–3.3 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 El Dorado

  • 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 Cascade

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

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in El Dorado

FruityTropicalPearWatermelonCandyStone fruit

Only in Cascade

GrapefruitFloralSpicyCitrusPine

Property

PropertyEl DoradoCascade
Alpha acid13–17%4.5–9%
Beta acid6.4–8%4.8–7.5%
Co-humulone28–33%30–40%
Total oil2.5–3.3 mL0.7–2.5 mL
Myrcene55–60%45–60%
Humulene10–15%8–20%
Caryophyllene6–8%3–9%
Farnesene0–1%3–9%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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