SummitvsCascade

Summit (bittering) and Cascade (dual purpose) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Summit

Bittering

Alpha acid

15–17.5%

Beta acid

4–6.5%

Total oil

1.5–3 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 Summit

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Cascade

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

GrapefruitCitrus

Only in Summit

Black currantAniseIncenseOrangeTangerineEarthyOnionGarlicDankCannabis

Only in Cascade

FloralSpicyPine

Property

PropertySummitCascade
Alpha acid15–17.5%4.5–9%
Beta acid4–6.5%4.8–7.5%
Co-humulone26–33%30–40%
Total oil1.5–3 mL0.7–2.5 mL
Myrcene30–40%45–60%
Humulene18–22%8–20%
Caryophyllene12–16%3–9%
Farnesene0–1%3–9%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeBitteringDual purpose

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