PioneervsCascade

Pioneer and Cascade are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Pioneer

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

8–10.5%

Beta acid

3.5–4.5%

Total oil

1–1.8 mL

United Kingdom

Cascade

Dual purpose

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 Pioneer

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Cascade

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

GrapefruitGrapefruit

Only in Pioneer

CedarHerbalLemonCrispClean

Only in Cascade

FloralSpicyCitrusPine

Property

PropertyPioneerCascade
Alpha acid8–10.5%4.5–9%
Beta acid3.5–4.5%4.8–7.5%
Co-humulone36–40%30–40%
Total oil1–1.8 mL0.7–2.5 mL
Myrcene34–36%45–60%
Humulene18–25%8–20%
Caryophyllene-3–9%
Farnesene0–1%3–9%
OriginUnited KingdomUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

Related comparisons