Pilot
Alpha acid
8–11.5%
Beta acid
3.3–5%
Total oil
0.8–1.5 mL
United Kingdom
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 Pilot
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
When to pick Cascade
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- 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
Spicy
Only in Pilot
LemonMarmalade
Only in Cascade
GrapefruitFloralCitrusPine
Property
| Property | Pilot | Cascade |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 8–11.5% | 4.5–9% |
| Beta acid | 3.3–5% | 4.8–7.5% |
| Co-humulone | 28–37% | 30–40% |
| Total oil | 0.8–1.5 mL | 0.7–2.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 35–40% | 45–60% |
| Humulene | 3–6% | 8–20% |
| Caryophyllene | - | 3–9% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 3–9% |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |