Hop Butcher Purple Moss 4Pk

Hop Butcher Purple Moss 4Pk is a hazy double IPA from Chicago's Hop Butcher for the World, packaged as a 4-pack of 16oz cans at 7.5% ABV. Distinguished by its use of New Zealand-grown Riwaka hops alongside American staples Citra and Simcoe, Purple Moss carries an 85 rating on BeerAdvocate and a 4.2 out of 5 on Untappd.

Quick Facts: ABV: 7.5%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Hazy Double IPA  |  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 prioritize freshness above all else. The brewery self-distributes every week, often getting cans to retailers within hours or days of packaging — a critical detail for a style where hop aromatics degrade quickly. Purple Moss uses a triple-hop bill of Citra, Simcoe, and Riwaka; the Riwaka component is the key differentiator, a New Zealand hop variety known for contributing intense tropical and stone fruit character that separates this release from the brewery's other expressions.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Tropical fruit leads immediately, followed by waves of citrus and a subtle undercurrent of resinous dankness. The Riwaka influence shows up as a distinct pineapple-forward note that lifts the nose beyond standard Citra-driven IPAs.

Taste: The entry is soft and juicy, landing squarely on pineapple and mixed citrus. Mid-palate, a gentle dankness from the Simcoe adds dimension, while the mouthfeel registers thick and pillowy without becoming syrupy. Bitterness remains restrained, letting the hop fruit expression dominate through to the back of the palate.

Finish: Medium-length with lingering tropical fruit and a mild resinous grip. The finish dries just enough to invite the next sip without leaving heavy residual sweetness behind.

How to Drink Purple Moss

Pour into a tulip glass or Teku at 40–45°F to fully release the aromatic complexity of the Riwaka hops; drinking straight from the can mutes the tropical nose considerably. This is a beer designed for drinking fresh and on its own — the hazy DIPA style does not lend itself to traditional cocktail use, though it pairs exceptionally well alongside food.

Best For

• Hop-obsessed IPA collectors hunting limited rotating releases
• Hosting a craft beer tasting flight featuring New Zealand hop varieties
• Gifting to a friend who follows the Chicago craft scene closely
• Pairing with a weekend cookout featuring bold, spicy, or smoky foods

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Purple Moss taste like? Purple Moss delivers prominent pineapple and tropical citrus flavors with a touch of resinous dankness, carried by a thick, pillowy mouthfeel characteristic of well-made hazy double IPAs.

How does Purple Moss compare to Hop Butcher Green Moss? Both share a 7.5% ABV and a base hop bill of Citra and Simcoe, but Purple Moss adds Riwaka hops, which push its profile further toward tropical and stone fruit compared to Green Moss's more straightforward citrus and pine character. The two are essentially siblings, making them ideal for a side-by-side tasting.

Is Purple Moss good for IPA beginners? At 7.5% ABV with restrained bitterness and a juice-forward flavor profile, Purple Moss is approachable for those new to double IPAs, though its fuller body and higher alcohol content may be intense for someone entirely new to craft beer.

Where is Purple Moss made? Purple Moss is brewed by Hop Butcher for the World in Chicago, Illinois. The brewery self-distributes throughout the Chicago area, prioritizing rapid delivery from packaging to retail shelves.

What foods pair well with Purple Moss? Spicy fish tacos work well, as the tropical fruit character cools and complements the heat. Pulled pork with a tangy vinegar-based sauce mirrors the beer's juicy acidity. Thai green curry benefits from the hop aromatics alongside coconut and lemongrass. Sharp aged cheddar provides a savory counterpoint to the beer's fruit-forward sweetness. Grilled pineapple or citrus-glazed chicken creates a harmonious echo of the Riwaka hop notes.

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

Is Purple Moss worth the price? Purple Moss positions as a premium rotating craft release, priced in line with other limited hazy double IPAs from top-tier regional breweries. The use of imported Riwaka hops and the brewery's freshness-focused distribution model support its placement in the upper tier of the style.

Why Purple Moss?

The defining advantage of Purple Moss is the Riwaka hop addition — a variety grown exclusively in New Zealand's Nelson region — which produces a tropical intensity that domestic hops alone rarely achieve. Hop Butcher's obsessive freshness model, where cans often reach shelves within days of packaging, means the volatile hop oils responsible for those aromatics are still fully intact at the point of purchase. With an 85 on BeerAdvocate and a 4.2 on Untappd across nearly 2,000 ratings, this release has earned consistent approval from a broad base of craft drinkers. For anyone seeking a hazy double IPA that goes beyond the standard Citra-and-Mosaic template, Purple Moss delivers a genuinely differentiated hop experience.