Smaragd
Alpha acid
4–6%
Beta acid
3.5–5.5%
Total oil
0.4–0.8 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 Smaragd
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Cascade
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- 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
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
FloralSpicy
Only in Smaragd
FruityTobaccoAniseCloveNoble
Only in Cascade
GrapefruitCitrusPine
Property
| Property | Smaragd | Cascade |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 4–6% | 4.5–9% |
| Beta acid | 3.5–5.5% | 4.8–7.5% |
| Co-humulone | 13–18% | 30–40% |
| Total oil | 0.4–0.8 mL | 0.7–2.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 20–40% | 45–60% |
| Humulene | 30–50% | 8–20% |
| Caryophyllene | 9–14% | 3–9% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 3–9% |
| Origin | Germany | United States |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |