Hop Butcher Tavern King 4Pk

Hop Butcher Tavern King 4Pk is a 8.0% ABV Double India Pale Ale from Chicago's Hop Butcher For The World, sold in a four-pack of 16oz cans. This expression earned a 97/100 score from Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine in a blind taste test judged by BJCP-certified panelists, placing it among the most acclaimed DIPAs in the Midwest.

Quick Facts: ABV: 8.0%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Double India Pale Ale  |  Brewery: Hop Butcher For The World

Production & Heritage

Hop Butcher For The World operates out of Chicago, Illinois, and has built a reputation for rotating hop-forward releases that emphasize clarity and drinkability at elevated ABVs. Tavern King is built on a base of malted oats and malted wheat, creating a pillowy, full body that supports the hop load without becoming cloying. The four-hop bill is layered deliberately: Citra and Nelson Sauvin take the lead, Vic Secret adds complexity in the middle, and Mosaic provides a finishing dimension that ties the blend together.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Tangerine and mango arrive first, followed by softer waves of orange peel and a subtle tropical undercurrent. The nose is inviting but slightly restrained, allowing the palate to do the heavy lifting.

Taste: The entry is sweet passion fruit and guava, giving way to a mid-palate burst of orange citrus, white peach, and lychee. As it develops, pomelo, white grape, and a dense berry sweetness emerge, balanced by enough grapefruit-like citrus bitterness to keep the profile clean and structured. The oat-and-wheat base delivers an almost chewy mouthfeel that carries the hop flavors without any harsh edges.

Finish: Medium-long, with a chalky, smooth fruit character that lingers alongside a touch of tropical bitterness. A faint residual sweetness closes things out, well-balanced against the hop presence.

How to Drink Tavern King

Pour into a tulip glass or wide-mouthed IPA glass at around 45°F to let the aromatic complexity open up; drinking straight from the can mutes the nuanced nose. While DIPAs are best enjoyed fresh and on their own, Tavern King's fruit-forward profile and sturdy body also work in these applications:

• Beer-a-rita: The citrus-heavy hop profile pairs naturally with lime juice and salt, adding tropical depth to the template.
• IPA Shandy: Mixed half-and-half with fresh lemonade, the passion fruit and guava notes create a punchy warm-weather drink.
• Michelada: The grapefruit bitterness and full body stand up to hot sauce and Clamato without getting lost.

Best For

• Bringing to a craft beer share or bottle trade with fellow hop enthusiasts
• Pairing alongside a backyard barbecue spread with bold, smoky flavors
• Gifting to a Double IPA collector who tracks limited Hop Butcher releases
• Enjoying fresh on a Friday evening as a reward-level sipper

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Tavern King taste like? Tavern King delivers a citrus-forward Double IPA experience dominated by orange, tangerine, passion fruit, and guava, with a supportive berry sweetness and a clean bitter finish. The malted oat and wheat base gives it a full, almost chewy body that balances the 8.0% ABV.

How does Tavern King compare to Hop Butcher Tavern Cut? Tavern Cut is a 7.5% ABV Double IPA using only Citra and Vic Secret, making it a slightly leaner, more streamlined beer. Tavern King adds Nelson Sauvin and Mosaic to the hop bill and pushes the ABV to 8.0%, resulting in a more complex tropical profile with additional white grape and berry dimensions.

Is Tavern King good for sipping neat? Absolutely — this is a DIPA designed to be savored on its own, ideally poured into a proper glass to experience the full aromatic range. The smooth oat-and-wheat body and layered hop character reward slow, attentive drinking.

Where is Tavern King made? Tavern King is brewed by Hop Butcher For The World in Chicago, Illinois. The brewery is known for its rotating roster of hop-centric ales distributed primarily throughout the greater Chicago area and select Midwest markets.

What foods pair well with Tavern King? Spicy Thai green curry complements the tropical fruit notes. Grilled pork tacos with mango salsa echo the beer's citrus-forward character. Sharp cheddar or aged Gruyère stand up to the full body and bitterness. Smoked brisket benefits from the beer's cutting citrus acidity. Fresh ceviche mirrors the bright, clean finish.

What sizes does Tavern King come in? Tavern King is available in four-packs of 16oz cans, which is the standard format for Hop Butcher For The World's rotating releases.

Is Tavern King worth the price? Tavern King positions as a premium craft Double IPA from one of Chicago's most sought-after breweries. With a 97/100 score from Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine and a four-hop bill featuring high-demand varieties like Nelson Sauvin and Citra, it represents strong value within the competitive DIPA tier.

Why Tavern King?

The 97/100 blind-tasting score from Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine's BJCP judges is not easily earned, and it speaks directly to the technical execution here. The four-hop combination of Citra, Nelson Sauvin, Vic Secret, and Mosaic is distinctive — Nelson Sauvin in particular brings a white grape and gooseberry character rarely found in American DIPAs, pushing this beyond a standard citrus-bomb template. The oat-and-wheat base adds genuine textural interest without the heaviness that plagues many 8.0% beers. Among Hop Butcher's extensive rotating lineup, Tavern King stands as one of the more complete and critically validated releases.