HarlequinvsCascade

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

Harlequin

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9–12%

Beta acid

7–9%

Total oil

1–1.6 mL

UK

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 Harlequin

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Cascade

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Harlequin

Passion fruitPeachPineapple

Only in Cascade

GrapefruitFloralSpicyCitrusPine

Property

PropertyHarlequinCascade
Alpha acid9–12%4.5–9%
Beta acid7–9%4.8–7.5%
Co-humulone27–31%30–40%
Total oil1–1.6 mL0.7–2.5 mL
Myrcene59–61%45–60%
Humulene4–6%8–20%
Caryophyllene-3–9%
Farnesene9–11%3–9%
OriginUKUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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