Cascade Hops are one of the most popular hops in the world. They are used in a variety of brews, from pale ales to IPAs.
They are a moderate alpha acid hop with unique flavors of pine, citrus and florals. These characteristics make Cascade hops versatile as both aroma and bittering.
Origin and History
Originating from the USDA breeding program at Oregon State University, Cascade has become one of the most popular hops in the world. Brewers use it to make many different styles of beer.
The hop was first introduced in 1972 and is now a staple in the American brewing industry. This variety has excellent vigor and yield as well as a distinctive citrus aroma when brewed.
Before Cascade was cultivated, hops were used primarily for their bitterness rather than their flavor and aroma. Fortunately, this changed when Fritz Maytag discovered Cascade and decided to use it in his Liberty Ale, which is now known as the first American IPA.
Characteristics and Flavor Profile
Cascade hops are one of the most popular hop varieties in the world, with 1/10th of all the hops grown in the United States originating from this variety. They are known for their zesty grapefruit flavor and aroma derived from high levels of myrcene oil.
Cascade was developed at Oregon State University in the 1960’s as part of a research program. It was engineered to overcome problems caused by the Downy Mildew blight that plagued many other new hop varieties back then.
Its citrus flavors and aroma make it a great hop to use in the American Pale Ale style, giving these beers an extra punch. It’s also versatile and provides a pleasant bittering quality.
Brewing Uses
Cascade hops are among the most popular and versatile hop varieties in the United States. They impart unique citrus, floral and spice flavors to American pale ales.
A true dual purpose hop, Cascade can be used for bittering and late aroma additions or for dry hopping in the fermenter. Its moderate bitterness makes it a great choice for both classic American IPAs and traditional English-style beers.
Cascade is a staple in many Pale Ales, but also sees some use in IPAs and some porters. It is also a good choice for hefeweizen beers.
Pairing of $ prompt with different beer styles
One of the most exciting parts of brewing is the ability to play with different hops. Combining hops can make a beer taste completely different, and it can also enhance the flavors of a single beer style.
When it comes to pairing hops, the biggest challenge is choosing which combinations will complement and highlight each other’s best qualities. Thankfully, there are many hop varieties that are ideal for blending.
For example, the combination of Simcoe and Cascade is an excellent choice for a dry hopped IPA. Simcoe’s citrus and pine characteristics combine with Cascade’s floral and fruity nuances to create a truly unique tasting experience.
Availability and Cultivation
Cascade Hops are one of the most widely used and widely grown hop varieties for craft brewers. They are easily accessible from many home brewing stores, online retailers, and at your local nursery.
They are also commonly available as rhizomes and crowns (a cutting of the root stock), making it easy to start new plants. The rhizome will generally sprout in a couple of weeks, but will need to be trained into a trellis or other structure.
They are an attractive, hardy climbing plant that will grow in most soils with little attention. It is especially suitable for planting near a fence, trellis or other landscape structure where it can climb upwards. It is also a good choice for planting in outdoor pots and containers.