SimcoevsCascade

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

Simcoe

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

11–15%

Beta acid

3–5%

Total oil

0.8–3.2 mL

United States

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 Simcoe

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • 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

GrapefruitPineCitrus

Only in Simcoe

FruityEarthyPassion fruitBerryApricotBubblegum

Only in Cascade

FloralSpicy

Property

PropertySimcoeCascade
Alpha acid11–15%4.5–9%
Beta acid3–5%4.8–7.5%
Co-humulone15–21%30–40%
Total oil0.8–3.2 mL0.7–2.5 mL
Myrcene40–50%45–60%
Humulene15–20%8–20%
Caryophyllene8–14%3–9%
Farnesene0–1%3–9%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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