First GoldvsCascade
First Gold and Cascade are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
First Gold
Alpha acid
5.6–10%
Beta acid
2.3–4.1%
Total oil
0.7–1.5 mL
United Kingdom
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 First Gold
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Cascade
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
SpicyFloral
Only in First Gold
TangerineApricotMagnoliaRedberryHerbalOrangeHerbal
Only in Cascade
GrapefruitCitrusPine
Property
| Property | First Gold | Cascade |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 5.6–10% | 4.5–9% |
| Beta acid | 2.3–4.1% | 4.8–7.5% |
| Co-humulone | 29–35% | 30–40% |
| Total oil | 0.7–1.5 mL | 0.7–2.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 24–28% | 45–60% |
| Humulene | 20–24% | 8–20% |
| Caryophyllene | 6–7% | 3–9% |
| Farnesene | 2–4% | 3–9% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |