Smooth ConevsCascade

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

Smooth Cone

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

7–9.5%

Beta acid

3.4–5.2%

Total oil

0.4–1.14 mL

New Zealand

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 Smooth Cone

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering

When to pick Cascade

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Smooth Cone

-

Only in Cascade

GrapefruitFloralSpicyCitrusPine

Property

PropertySmooth ConeCascade
Alpha acid7–9.5%4.5–9%
Beta acid3.4–5.2%4.8–7.5%
Co-humulone31%30–40%
Total oil0.4–1.14 mL0.7–2.5 mL
Myrcene54–56%45–60%
Humulene20–22%8–20%
Caryophyllene5–7%3–9%
Farnesene0–1%3–9%
OriginNew ZealandUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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