In the pantheon of modern brewing, few hops command as much respect and recognition as Cascade and Citra. One is the original gangster, the hop that almost single-handedly launched the American craft beer revolution.
The other is the modern superstar, the variety that defined the hazy, juicy IPA and captured the imagination of a new generation.
This is more than just a look at two plants; it's a tale of two eras. Cascade, with its pioneering spirit and signature grapefruit-pine character, laid the foundation. Citra, with its explosive tropical fruit profile and complex chemistry, built a skyscraper on top of it. Understanding both is essential for any brewer looking to master hop-forward beers.
This definitive guide will dissect these two legendary hops. We'll explore their unique origins, dive deep into the science that makes them tick, and provide a comprehensive brewer's playbook for maximizing their incredible potential in your own brewhouse.
If you've ever had a classic American Pale Ale, you've tasted the legacy of Cascade. It is, without exaggeration, the hop that gave American craft beer its identity.
Origin: The Hop That Started a Revolution
Developed by the USDA breeding program in Oregon and released in 1972, Cascade was born from a cross between English Fuggle and a Russian variety, Serebrianka. For years it saw little use, until a then-fledgling brewery named Sierra Nevada decided to build their flagship Pale Ale around its unique character.
The resulting beer was a revelation, and its massive success catapulted Cascade into the brewing stratosphere.
The Science Behind the Classic Aroma
Cascade's profile is a balanced and recognizable blend of floral, citrus, and pine notes, famously described as "grapefruit." This comes from a balanced mix of essential oils, with a high proportion of Myrcene (citrus) complemented by Humulene (herbal/earthy) and Caryophyllene (spicy/woody).
Its moderate alpha acid content (4.5-7%) makes it a true dual-purpose hop, capable of providing both a solid bittering foundation and a beautiful aromatic finish.
The Brewer's Playbook for Cascade
Hot Side Use: Cascade is the quintessential 60-minute addition for a classic American Pale Ale, providing a clean, bracing bitterness. It also shines as a late-boil or whirlpool addition (10-0 minutes), where it releases its signature grapefruit and floral aromas.
Cold Side Use: Dry hopping with Cascade is a classic technique to boost the floral and citrus character. While less pungent than modern varieties, a healthy dry hop of Cascade provides a bright, refreshing aroma that is never overpowering.
Perfect For: American Pale Ale, American IPA, American Amber Ale, Blonde Ale. It's the go-to hop for any style needing a bright, classic American hop character.
If Cascade built the house of modern craft beer, Citra is the vibrant, pop-art masterpiece hanging on the wall. It is the defining flavor of the modern IPA and a global phenomenon.
Origin: From Lab to Legend
The genesis of Citra hops dates to a breeding program by the Hop Breeding Company. Officially released in 2007, its genetic lineage is a complex mosaic including Hallertau Mittelfrüh, Tettnang, and East Kent Golding. Pioneering breweries like Russian River and Three Floyds were early adopters, and its success in their beers created a massive demand, transforming it into a global superstar.
The Science Behind the Tropical Explosion
Citra's distinctiveness lies in its unique chemical makeup. While it boasts a high alpha acid content (11-13%) for clean bittering, its soul is found in its essential oils and potent aroma compounds:
- High Myrcene Content: This terpene is the primary driver of the potent citrus (grapefruit, lime) and tropical fruit aromas.
- Geraniol and Linalool: These compounds contribute softer floral and fruity notes, adding layers of lychee and passionfruit complexity.
- Bound Thiols: This is Citra's secret weapon. During fermentation, certain yeast strains can unlock these "bound" sulfur compounds, releasing incredibly intense notes of passionfruit, guava, and mango that are not present in the raw hop itself.
Brewer's Insight: Biotransformation
The interaction between yeast and hop compounds like geraniol and bound thiols is known as biotransformation.
It's why adding Citra during active fermentation (a technique known as "dip hopping" or "active dry hopping") can create a different, often more intense, tropical character than adding it to finished beer.
This is advanced brewing chemistry in action in your fermenter!
The Brewer's Playbook for Citra
Hot Side Use: Use Citra sparingly for bittering. Its true power is unleashed in the whirlpool. A large charge after the boil, between 160-180°F (71-82°C), will extract a massive amount of its aromatic oils without adding significant bitterness.
Cold Side Use: Dry hopping is where Citra becomes a legend. Adding it after fermentation is complete is the key to the classic, in-your-face Citra aroma that defines modern IPAs.
Perfect For: American IPA (especially Hazy/NEIPA styles), Pale Ales, and any beer where a dominant, fruit-forward hop character is desired.
So, when do you reach for the classic, and when do you call in the superstar? It all comes down to the character you want in your final beer.
When to Use Cascade vs. When to Use Citra
Reach for Cascade When...
- You want to brew a classic American Pale Ale with that signature grapefruit and pine character.
- You need a balanced, versatile hop that can handle both bittering and aroma duties.
- You are aiming for a refreshing, bright hop character that is assertive but not overpowering.
Reach for Citra When...
- You are brewing a modern, juicy IPA (Hazy or West Coast) that needs an explosive tropical fruit aroma.
- You want the hop character to be the absolute star of the show.
- You want to leverage biotransformation by dry hopping during active fermentation to unlock intense passionfruit and guava notes.
The Power Couple: Don't forget that these hops work beautifully together. Using Cascade for a solid, citrusy base and then layering Citra on top in the whirlpool and dry hop can create a wonderfully complex, multi-dimensional IPA.