From “Brew Your Own” magazine article by Marc Martin of Brush Prairie
What differentiates Cascadian dark ale from a hoppy porter or stout? There are really three main differences.
The first would be the basic hop profile. These beers are brewed using traditional IPA bittering, flavor and aroma hops with citrus, spice and floral characteristics. Typical hop selections would be Columbus, Centennial, Chinook, Amarillo, Simcoe and Cascade or hybrids of these like Warrior or Magnum.
The second would be the vastly reduced roast malt flavor contributions. The use of Midnight Wheat malts instead of black patent or roast barley. This provides color without the harsher, burnt flavor profiles of robust porters or stouts.
And finally, the third is the much drier finish. This is achieved through the use of very little light caramel malts and highly attenuative yeasts.