Marco PolovsCascade
Marco Polo and Cascade are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Marco Polo
Alpha acid
12–13%
Beta acid
4.5–5.5%
Total oil
-
China
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 Marco Polo
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
When to pick Cascade
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Marco Polo
GooseberryOreganoElderflower
Only in Cascade
GrapefruitFloralSpicyCitrusPine
Property
| Property | Marco Polo | Cascade |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 12–13% | 4.5–9% |
| Beta acid | 4.5–5.5% | 4.8–7.5% |
| Co-humulone | 30–35% | 30–40% |
| Total oil | - | 0.7–2.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 40–50% | 45–60% |
| Humulene | 15–25% | 8–20% |
| Caryophyllene | 8–12% | 3–9% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 3–9% |
| Origin | China | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |