Sometimes it’s all about the classics, and Cascade hops are a classic.
Cascade ranks among the most popular hop varieties used today, and it’s famous for essentially defining the American ale. Similar to other hops like Citra, Simcoe, and Mosaic, Cascade is one of the most popular hop varieties used in ales, particularly IPAs.
What Are Cascade Hops?
Cascade hops are a hop variety known for their citrusy, floral flavor and aroma, though it does add a slight bit of bitterness. Cascade’s profile makes it a great hop when combined with other popular varieties, like Citra or Mosaic.
This is one of the most common hops used in brewing, and you can find Cascade either as a single-hop beer or mixed with other hops (usually in an IPA).
A Cascade Hop History
Cascade hops have a humble origin story, like you or me, assuming one or both of us were created in a lab by the Government.
Back in the 1960s, Oregon State University had a hop breeding program funded by the USDA. Cascade was a brainchild of this project. Little did these OSU professors know that they would help kickstart a craft beer revolution that would redefine America’s contributions to global gastronomy. Ok, I’m getting poetic, but you get the point.
For my PNW friends, the name should sound familiar. The hop derives its name from the Cascade Mountains that stretch through the entire Pacific Northwest, from BC Canada to Northern California. Today, the hop is grown and used…pretty much everywhere you grow or use hops.
What Does Cascade Taste Like in Beer?
Cascade hops add citrus and bitterness to beers. Like other hops widely found in ales, Cascade has a pleasant, juicy flavor. But that’s not all! Cascade also brings a sort of zesty, spicy pop that rounds out beers.
With its citrusy background, you’d be right to wonder what the difference is between Cascade and Citra hops. Cascade is almost like a less juicy, more bitter version of Citra, without being overbearingly bitter. You’re also going to get a nice aroma from Cascade, which does help the flavors come out even better.
What is a Cascade IPA?
You’ve probably seen beers from your local craft brewery that say “Cascade Solo” or “Cascade IPA.” This means that Cascade was the main, or potentially only, hop used in the brew. These beers are going to put the slightly bitter, slightly juicy flavor of the Cascade hop on full display.
Again, because Cascade is essentially the original American ale hop, you’ll find Cascade hops in lots of beers in the United States.
Why are Cascade Hops Popular?
Cascade is a versatile and tasty hop, making it a nice addition for complex IPAs or straightforward single-hopping. Depending on when you use the hop in the brew, you can maximize or minimize the bitterness and juiciness.
Because of its slight bitterness, Cascade would be better suited for a West Coast IPA than something like Citra.
For me, Cascade hops are popular because I like to drink beers that use Cascade.
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