Emerald SpirevsCascade
Emerald Spire and Cascade are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Emerald Spire
Alpha acid
8.6–13%
Beta acid
3.5–4.5%
Total oil
-
United States
Cascade
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 Emerald Spire
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Cascade
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Emerald Spire
PeachFruityWhiteGrapesWatermelonBubbleMelonHoneydew
Only in Cascade
GrapefruitFloralSpicyCitrusPine
Property
| Property | Emerald Spire | Cascade |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 8.6–13% | 4.5–9% |
| Beta acid | 3.5–4.5% | 4.8–7.5% |
| Co-humulone | 38–39% | 30–40% |
| Total oil | - | 0.7–2.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 36–37% | 45–60% |
| Humulene | 10–11% | 8–20% |
| Caryophyllene | 7–8% | 3–9% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 3–9% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |