WillamettevsCascade

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

Willamette

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

4–7.2%

Beta acid

3–4.5%

Total oil

0.6–1.6 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 Willamette

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

CitrusFloral

Only in Willamette

IncenseElderberryCaramelCurry

Only in Cascade

GrapefruitSpicyPine

Property

PropertyWillametteCascade
Alpha acid4–7.2%4.5–9%
Beta acid3–4.5%4.8–7.5%
Co-humulone28–35%30–40%
Total oil0.6–1.6 mL0.7–2.5 mL
Myrcene30–40%45–60%
Humulene20–27%8–20%
Caryophyllene7–8%3–9%
Farnesene5–6%3–9%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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