Before hazy juice bombs and tropical hop hybrids entered the chat, there was Cascade.
A hop so flavorful it started a wave in our nation’s brewing community. Known for its bursting citrus flavor and floral aroma, Cascade brings a crisp, piney bite to some of the most beloved American Pale Ales on the market.
Bred in Oregon from English Fuggle and the Russian variety Serebrianka, Cascade burst onto the scene in the early 1970s. Named after the Cascade Mountain Range, it’s often remembered as the hop that put U.S. craft beer on the map.
Approachable yet distinctive, bold without being brash, Cascade has remained one of the most beloved hops in the world for over five decades.
Ready to fall in love with this flavor bomb? Let’s dive in.
Flavor + Aroma Profile: Bright Citrus and Floral Lift
Cascade is instantly recognizable for its zippy grapefruit aroma—it greets you right away, then eases into more delicate layers. Behind that citrusy handshake, you’ll find gentle floral notes, a crisp pine backbone, and just enough spice to keep things interesting.
You might pick up:
-
Grapefruit zest
-
Lemon and lime
-
Fresh floral blossoms (light and airy, not perfumey)
-
Soft pine
-
Subtle spice or herb
When used in early boil additions, Cascade delivers a smooth, medium bitterness. Toss it in late in the boil or as a dry hop, and it shines with bright citrus and floral characters our brewing partners love.
At Hops Direct, we love Cascade because it works so beautifully on its own, and it plays well with others in various ways. It’s a playground for experimentation: want bold, layered hops? Pair with Centennial, Amarillo, or Simcoe. Prefer something softer? Blend with Citra or Mosaic for a modern twist.
Cascade’s balance and approachability make it a go-to for brewers looking for drinkability without sacrificing hop personality.
Best Beer Styles for Cascade
As previously mentioned, Cascade gets its namesake from the Cascade Mountain Range, which happens to be about a three-hour drive from our farm in Yakima Valley, Washington. So, it was basically born in our backyard, making it a natural fit for American-style ales.
American Pale Ales – The style Cascade built.
American IPAs – Grapefruit + pine for classic hop character.
Amber Ales – Adds a crisp edge to malty sweetness.
Blonde Ales – Light, floral, and refreshing.
Wheat Beers – Fresh citrus lift without overpowering.
Given its wild popularity among brewers, chances are you’ve probably had Cascade before, and you didn’t know it. Love these brews? If the answer is yes, then you love Cascade.
-
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale – Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. (CA)
The iconic APA that made Cascade famous. Grapefruit, pine, and floral notes in perfect harmony.
-
New Belgium Voodoo Ranger IPA – New Belgium Brewing (CO)
Dry-hopped with Cascade for a floral, citrus-forward profile that’s been inspiring brewers since the ’70s.
-
Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale – Deschutes Brewery (OR)
A showcase of Cascade paired with other fruit-forward hops like Mosaic and Amarillo.
Why Buy Cascade Hops at Hops Direct?
At our family-owned operation in the Yakima Valley, we’re proud to carry all the brewers and hop enthusiasts' favorites like Cascade.
And because Hops Direct grows, processes, and ships our own hops, you know you’re getting top-tier freshness at a price that’s brewer-friendly without the middleman-marked-up.
Hops Direct has Summit™ hops ready to ship directly from our family farm. Ready to brew something great?
-
Available in: T-90 Pellets
-
Packaging Sizes: 1 lb, 11 lb, and more for commercial brewers
-
Farm-direct freshness
About Hops Direct
We’ve been growing hops for five generations in the heart of Yakima Valley. When you buy from Hops Direct, you’re not getting warehouse leftovers. You’re getting hops straight from our farm, packaged carefully, and ready for your next brew day. Plus, you’re supporting a small, family-owned business.
