a US-bred aroma hop that is particularly popular with the craft brewing industry in the United States. While it remains popular, it was once so prevalent that it virtually defined the flavor of American microbrewed beer. Cascade was developed by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) hop breeding program in Corvallis, Oregon, and released in 1971. It was the first US-bred aroma hop from this program. Cascade has low to moderate alpha-acids (4.5%–7.0% w/w) and mid-range oil content (0.7–1.4 ml/100 g). It arose from an open pollinated hop seed collection in 1956, and its parentage includes the English Fuggle, the Russian Serebrianka, and an unknown male. It was originally thought to be similar to the imported German aroma hop Hallertauer mittelfrueh. Its alpha/beta ratio is similar to that German hop, but other quality factors (mainly co-humulone and oil composition) are quite different. Cascade is resistant to powdery mildew and downy mildew, especially in the crown (rootstock), but moderately susceptible in the cone and leaf stage. It matures medium early to medium late and is adapted to both Washington and Oregon, but the major acreage is mostly grown in Washington (total US Cascade production in 2009: 2171 acres, 4.55 million lb, representing 4.8% of total US hop production). Cascade has excellent yield potential, but poor storage stability. Therefore, baled hops of Cascade should be allowed to cool after baling before being placed into refrigerated storage. As a common garden plant for many beer enthusiasts, it is a particularly fast-growing, hardy variety. Cascade aromatics can be described as floral and citrusy, with notes of grapefruit and pine needles.