Cascade (T90 Pellet) is one of the most iconic American hop varieties, originating from the USDA-ARA breeding programme and released in 1972. It was the hop that defined American craft brewing, delivering a distinctive floral, citrus, and grapefruit aroma that remains hugely popular today.
Alpha Acids: 4–7% | Beta Acids: 4–5%
A versatile dual-purpose hop. Add at 15 minutes or at flameout for big citrus aroma, or dry hop for a fresh grapefruit and floral character. Pairs brilliantly with Centennial and Citra. Use in American pale ales, IPAs, and wheat beers with Gervin GV12 Ale Yeast. Browse all: T90 Hop Pellets Full Range
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Cascade hops taste like?
Cascade is defined by grapefruit — bright citrus with distinctly floral, slightly spicy notes. It's the flavour that launched American craft beer: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is the classic showcase.
Are Cascade hops for bittering or aroma?
Genuinely dual-purpose, but aroma is where Cascade shines. At 4–7% alpha it can bitter a pale ale, but most brewers save it for 15-minute, flameout and dry hop additions where the grapefruit-floral character survives intact.
What can I substitute for Cascade hops?
Centennial is the classic swap — often called "super Cascade", with the same citrus-floral profile at higher alpha. Amarillo also works, leaning more orange than grapefruit.
Full Technical Spec Sheet
| Origin | USA (USDA-ARA, released 1972) |
| Alpha Acids | 4–7% |
| Beta Acids | 4–5% |
| Type | Dual-purpose |
| Flavour | Floral, citrus, grapefruit |
| Best use | 15 min / flameout for aroma, or dry hop |
| Pairs with | Centennial, Citra |
| Styles | American Pale Ale, IPA, wheat beer |