Herkules
Alpha acid
12–17%
Beta acid
4–5.5%
Total oil
1.4–2.4 mL
Germany
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 Herkules
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
When to pick Cascade
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Citrus
Only in Herkules
Melon
Only in Cascade
GrapefruitFloralSpicyPine
Property
| Property | Herkules | Cascade |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 12–17% | 4.5–9% |
| Beta acid | 4–5.5% | 4.8–7.5% |
| Co-humulone | 32–38% | 30–40% |
| Total oil | 1.4–2.4 mL | 0.7–2.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–50% | 45–60% |
| Humulene | 30–45% | 8–20% |
| Caryophyllene | 7–12% | 3–9% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 3–9% |
| Origin | Germany | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |