Opal
Alpha acid
5–14%
Beta acid
3.5–5.5%
Total oil
0.8–1.3 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 Opal
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
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
CitrusSpicyFloral
Only in Opal
Black currantHerbalAnise
Only in Cascade
GrapefruitPine
Property
| Property | Opal | Cascade |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 5–14% | 4.5–9% |
| Beta acid | 3.5–5.5% | 4.8–7.5% |
| Co-humulone | 13–34% | 30–40% |
| Total oil | 0.8–1.3 mL | 0.7–2.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 20–45% | 45–60% |
| Humulene | 30–50% | 8–20% |
| Caryophyllene | 8–15% | 3–9% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 3–9% |
| Origin | Germany | United States |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |
Styrian Golding