18th Street Cascade Express 4Pk

18th Street Cascade Express 4Pk is a single-hop Session IPA from Hammond, Indiana, brewed at 5.0% ABV and sold in a four-pack of cans. Scoring a 4.11 on BeerAdvocate, this release from 18th Street Brewery distinguishes itself by building its entire hop bill around one variety — Cascade — letting the cultivar's signature citrus and pine character speak without interference.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.0%  |  Origin: Hammond, Indiana, USA  |  Style: Session IPA  |  Brewery: 18th Street Brewery

Production & Heritage

18th Street Brewery was founded in 2013 in the Calumet Region of northwest Indiana and has since grown into one of the state's most recognized craft operations. Cascade Express takes a focused approach to hop selection: rather than layering multiple varieties, it relies exclusively on Cascade hops — the American-bred cultivar famous for its floral, citrus, and grapefruit notes. The result is a lower-gravity IPA with enough bitterness and aromatics to satisfy hop-seekers while keeping the body light and the alcohol restrained at 5.0%.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with lightly dank, earthy tones before giving way to bright lemon zest and a gentle citrus sweetness. A faint malty backdrop keeps the aromatics grounded without competing with the hops.

Taste: The first sip delivers clean, moderate bitterness alongside tangerine and grapefruit rind. At mid-palate the citrus intensifies, joined by grassy, herbal notes that add complexity. A light-to-medium body and lively carbonation keep the mouthfeel crisp and refreshing.

Finish: The finish is moderately bitter with lingering pine resin and citrus pith that fades at an even pace. A mild tartness from the carbonation cleans the palate and invites the next sip.

How to Drink Cascade Express

Cascade Express is best poured cold — around 40–45°F — into a pint glass or shaker to let the hop aromatics open up. At 5.0% ABV, it's built for extended drinking sessions straight from the can as well. For a beer-forward Shandy, combine it with fresh lemonade to amplify the existing citrus character. It also works in a Michelada, where the pine bitterness and carbonation cut through tomato juice and hot sauce. A simple Boilermaker pairing with a pour of bourbon lets the Cascade hops contrast against caramel and vanilla sweetness.

Best For

• Backyard cookouts and day-long outdoor gatherings where low ABV matters
• Introducing hop-curious friends to IPA flavors without high alcohol intensity
• Pairing alongside grilled foods as a refreshing palate cleanser
• Stocking a craft beer fridge with a reliable, everyday session option

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cascade Express taste like? Cascade Express delivers prominent citrus and tangerine flavor, backed by grassy bitterness and pine, with a light-to-medium body and lively carbonation that keeps it refreshing.

How does Cascade Express compare to Founders All Day IPA? Both are session IPAs in the 4.7–5.0% ABV range, but Cascade Express uses a single-hop Cascade bill while All Day IPA blends multiple hop varieties for a broader flavor profile. Cascade Express tends to read more focused and citrus-forward, whereas All Day IPA offers a slightly more balanced, malt-supported character.

Is Cascade Express good for beginners? Yes — its 5.0% ABV and approachable bitterness make it an accessible entry point into the IPA category without overwhelming new craft beer drinkers.

Where is Cascade Express made? Cascade Express is brewed at 18th Street Brewery in Hammond, Indiana, located in the Calumet Region of northwest Indiana near the Chicago border.

What foods pair well with Cascade Express? Grilled chicken or fish tacos complement the citrus hop notes; spicy Thai noodles benefit from the beer's carbonation and moderate bitterness; sharp cheddar cheese echoes the grassy, earthy tones; a classic cheeseburger matches the beer's malt backbone; and ceviche mirrors the bright, citrus-driven profile.

What sizes does Cascade Express come in? Cascade Express is commonly available in a four-pack of cans, which is the standard retail format for this release.

Is Cascade Express worth the price? Cascade Express positions as an accessible, everyday craft session IPA, and its single-hop concept and strong BeerAdvocate rating of 4.11 place it competitively within the session IPA tier for the price of a four-pack.

Why Cascade Express?

The single-hop concept is what earns Cascade Express its niche in a crowded session IPA field. Where most breweries blend three or more hop varieties, 18th Street strips the recipe down to Cascade alone, producing a cleaner, more legible hop character. A 4.11 BeerAdvocate score and nearly 4,700 Untappd ratings reflect consistent approval from a broad cross-section of craft drinkers. For anyone who wants to understand exactly what Cascade hops taste like — or simply wants a well-made, low-ABV IPA they can drink all afternoon — this is a focused, honest expression of a single ingredient done right.