Overview
Perhaps the most recognizable hop in craft beer history, Cascade has single handedly defined American Pale Ale styles since its development in the Pacific Northwest. While PNW Cascade usually leans toward the astringent side, our Vermont Cascade features more sweet floral notes (think orange blossom rather than orange zest) but still has some of the pine and grapefruit notes that are typical of the variety. Originally bred to be an IPA star, Cascade is versatile and has found its way into a wide range of beer styles. It’s also a popular choice for hopped cider.
Cascade Hop Profile: Aroma & Flavor
Cascade’s flavor profile is typically very citrus and pine forward with grapefruit being the most prominent note.
Our Vermont Cascade is more floral and sweet than most, with strong orange blossom and more mild pine and grapefruit notes.
Cascade Hop History
Cascade is generally considered to be the keystone American hop variety. It was the first hop variety to be released by the USDA breeding program, and spearheaded the craft beer revolution in the United States.
After Prohibition, the vast majority of American hop producers were growing exclusively bittering hops, while all aroma varieties were imported from Europe. The overwhelming dominance (and fragility) of the American Cluster variety created risk in the market, so the USDA breeding program aimed to create more hardy varieties which could better withstand the ravages of downy mildew.
Cascade met the hardiness requirement, and it was more versatile than the purely bitter Cluster variety to boot. Cascade had a sensory profile reminiscent of some popular European imports. Cascade was the first variety to be used in a single-hopped American ale, and has been a standby for IPAs and American pale styles ever since.
Beers that use Cascade hops
IPA, APA, Porter, Barleywine, Witbier, Pale Ale, Golden Ale, Pilsner, Hopped Cider
When to add Cascade hops
It’s generally used as a later addition for aromatics rather than bittering, but can certainly be used up front as well.
What hops go well with Cascade?
Centennial, Chinook, Simcoe, Columbus, Citra, Mosaic
Cascade hop substitute options
Amarillo, Centennial, Ahtanum, Summit, Cashmere
