Northern Brewer (US)vsCascade
Northern Brewer (US) (bittering) and Cascade (dual purpose) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Northern Brewer (US)
Alpha acid
7–10%
Beta acid
3–5.5%
Total oil
1–2 mL
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 Northern Brewer (US)
- 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
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Pine
Only in Northern Brewer (US)
WoodyMintBlack currant
Only in Cascade
GrapefruitFloralSpicyCitrus
Property
| Property | Northern Brewer (US) | Cascade |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 7–10% | 4.5–9% |
| Beta acid | 3–5.5% | 4.8–7.5% |
| Co-humulone | 27–34% | 30–40% |
| Total oil | 1–2 mL | 0.7–2.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 35–45% | 45–60% |
| Humulene | 27–31% | 8–20% |
| Caryophyllene | 11–15% | 3–9% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 3–9% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |