Samba
Alpha acid
8–12%
Beta acid
4–6%
Total oil
1.5–2.5 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 Samba
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
When to pick Cascade
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Samba
TropicalPineappleMangoStone fruitCandyOrange
Only in Cascade
GrapefruitFloralSpicyCitrusPine
Property
| Property | Samba | Cascade |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 8–12% | 4.5–9% |
| Beta acid | 4–6% | 4.8–7.5% |
| Co-humulone | 28–32% | 30–40% |
| Total oil | 1.5–2.5 mL | 0.7–2.5 mL |
| Myrcene | - | 45–60% |
| Humulene | - | 8–20% |
| Caryophyllene | - | 3–9% |
| Farnesene | - | 3–9% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Aroma | Dual purpose |