Hop Butcher Almost Magical in Symmetry 4Pk

Hop Butcher Almost Magical in Symmetry 4Pk is a New England-style hazy IPA from Chicago's Hop Butcher For The World brewery, sold as a 4-pack of 16 oz cans. Built around a five-hop bill that includes fresh Nelson Sauvin hop juice, this limited release carries a 4.1 out of 5 rating on Untappd across more than 1,700 reviews.

Quick Facts: Style: Hazy / New England IPA  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Format: 4-pack, 16 oz cans  |  Brewery: Hop Butcher For The World

Production & Heritage

Hop Butcher For The World operates out of Chicago, Illinois, and has earned a devoted following for its rotating roster of heavily hopped, small-batch hazy IPAs. Almost Magical in Symmetry uses a blend of NZ Cascade, Mosaic, Riwaka, and Rakau hops alongside fresh Nelson Sauvin hop juice — a technique that extracts bright, unprocessed aromatics directly from the hop rather than relying solely on pelletized or whole-leaf additions. The use of fresh hop juice is a distinguishing production choice that amplifies the tropical and white-wine-like character Nelson Sauvin is known for, setting this release apart from the brewery's other rotating IPAs.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Tropical fruit jumps first — gooseberry and white grape from the Nelson Sauvin hop juice — followed by resinous pine and citrus peel from the Mosaic and Riwaka contributions. A soft, yeasty sweetness lingers underneath.

Taste: The entry is juicy and citrus-forward, with layers of stone fruit and ripe melon building across the mid-palate. A gentle malt sweetness provides structure without heaviness, while herbal and slightly grassy notes from the NZ Cascade add complexity toward the finish.

Finish: Medium in length with a soft, pillowy mouthfeel characteristic of the style. Lingering tropical fruit and a restrained bitterness keep the close balanced and drinkable.

How to Drink Almost Magical in Symmetry

Pour into a tulip glass or wide-mouthed pint glass at around 40–45°F to let the aromatic hop oils open up; drinking straight from the can mutes the complex nose. This beer is designed to be enjoyed fresh on its own, but it also works in beer-forward mixed drinks: a Hop Shandy (half beer, half fresh lemonade) highlights the citrus character; a Michelada built with this hazy IPA brings an unexpected tropical twist to the savory classic; and a Beer Mimosa — equal parts chilled hazy IPA and fresh orange juice — plays well with the beer's juicy profile at brunch.

Best For

• Hazy IPA collectors who track limited Hop Butcher rotations
• Bringing a standout 4-pack to a casual cookout or tasting with friends
• Gifting to a craft beer enthusiast who appreciates New Zealand hop varieties
• Pairing alongside a weekend charcuterie spread or taco night

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Almost Magical in Symmetry taste like? It delivers a juicy, tropical-forward flavor profile led by gooseberry, citrus, and stone fruit, with a soft malt backbone and low bitterness typical of the hazy IPA style.

How does Almost Magical in Symmetry compare to other Hop Butcher hazy IPAs? While many Hop Butcher releases lean on American hop varieties like Citra and Simcoe, this beer distinguishes itself with a heavy New Zealand hop bill and fresh Nelson Sauvin hop juice, giving it a more white-wine-like, gooseberry-driven character.

Is Almost Magical in Symmetry good for someone new to hazy IPAs? Its low perceived bitterness, juicy fruit flavors, and soft mouthfeel make it an approachable entry point into the hazy IPA category, though experienced drinkers will appreciate the hop complexity.

Where is Almost Magical in Symmetry made? It is brewed by Hop Butcher For The World in Chicago, Illinois, a brewery known for its rotating lineup of small-batch, hop-forward beers.

What foods pair well with Almost Magical in Symmetry? Fish tacos with mango salsa complement the tropical hop character; a sharp white cheddar contrasts the beer's juicy sweetness; grilled shrimp or chicken satay with peanut sauce echo its fruity and herbal notes; and a citrus-dressed arugula salad mirrors the bright, green flavors from the Riwaka and NZ Cascade hops.

What sizes does Almost Magical in Symmetry come in? It is available as a 4-pack of 16 oz cans, which is the standard format for Hop Butcher's rotating IPA releases.

Is Almost Magical in Symmetry worth the price? It positions in the premium craft tier, which is expected for a small-batch, rotating hazy IPA featuring specialty ingredients like fresh hop juice; the 4.1 Untappd rating across 1,700-plus reviews suggests strong consumer satisfaction for the style.

Why Almost Magical in Symmetry?

The use of fresh Nelson Sauvin hop juice is the headline here — it is a production step that relatively few breweries employ, and it drives the gooseberry and white-grape aromatics that separate this release from the sea of Citra-and-Mosaic hazy IPAs on the market. Hop Butcher has built its reputation on exactly this kind of thoughtful hop selection and rapid rotation, meaning each release is produced in limited quantities and not repeated often. With a 4.1 Untappd rating from a sizable pool of reviewers, Almost Magical in Symmetry has proven itself among a knowledgeable audience. For drinkers who want to explore what New Zealand hops can do in a hazy IPA format, this is a focused and well-regarded example.