Hop Pellets Cascade

Cascade is the hop that launched American craft beer, grown mainly in the US Pacific Northwest and now around the world. It is a moderate-alpha, dual-purpose pellet with a bright grapefruit and floral character that defined the original American pale ale.

Best suited to

• American pale ale
• American amber ale
• West Coast IPA
• Session ales and summer beers
• Dry-hopped lagers

Typical specs (vary by harvest, check the pack)

• Variety / origin: Cascade, United States (also grown in Australia and New Zealand)
• Form: T-90 pellets
• Purpose: Dual purpose (leans aroma)
• Alpha acid: typically 4.5-7%
• Beta acid: typically 4.5-7%
• Co-humulone: typically 33-40% of alpha
• Total oil: typically 0.8-1.5 mL/100g
• Character: grapefruit, citrus, floral, light spice

When to choose this over alternatives

Reach for Cascade when you want that classic, easy-drinking American grapefruit-and-flowers aroma without a huge alpha punch. It is gentler and more citrus-floral than Centennial, which is often called a bigger, sharper Cascade. If you want more resin and pine, step up to Chinook. Cascade also plays beautifully as the backbone in a blend, so pair it with Citra or Amarillo to lift the citrus and add a tropical edge.

Practical notes

Cascade is forgiving and works across the whole boil, from a bittering charge to late and dry-hop additions. It shows its best grapefruit-floral side in the whirlpool and dry hop. For a pale ale, 25 to 40g of dry hops is a solid starting point, and you can be generous because the character stays clean rather than harsh. Store pellets cold and sealed, push the air out, and use within 12 months of opening for the brightest aroma.

Reviewed by the AHB Brewing Team - June 2026