Hop Butcher Vestiges of Spring 4Pk

Hop Butcher Vestiges of Spring 4Pk is a Double India Pale Ale brewed with wildflower honey, Simcoe and Tangier hops, coming in at 8% ABV in a four-pack of 16 oz cans. This seasonal release from Chicago's Hop Butcher For The World stands out for its integration of wildflower honey into a haze-heavy, hop-forward framework, earning a 4.1 out of 5 rating on Untappd across more than 860 reviews.

Quick Facts: ABV: 8%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Double IPA  |  Brewery: Hop Butcher For The World

Production & Heritage

Hop Butcher For The World operates out of its Lincoln Avenue brewery and Bedford Park production facility in the greater Chicago area, having built a devoted following around its rotating roster of heavily hopped ales. Vestiges of Spring uses a barley malt base augmented with wildflower honey, then dry-hopped with Simcoe and Tangier — a pairing that emphasizes both resinous pine and bright citrus character. The wildflower honey addition distinguishes this release from the brewery's standard Double IPA lineup, contributing fermentable sugars that lighten the body while leaving a delicate floral imprint on the finished beer.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Tropical fruit leads immediately — ripe mango and pineapple — followed by a wave of citrus zest and a soft floral honey sweetness underneath. The Simcoe contribution adds a subtle dank, piney edge that grounds the brighter aromatics.

Taste: The entry is juicy and full, with orange and pineapple flavors arriving first on a pillowy, haze-forward mouthfeel. Mid-palate, the wildflower honey reveals itself as a gentle malt sweetness rather than overt sugariness, balancing the assertive hop bitterness. Despite 8% ABV, the beer drinks remarkably smooth, with the alcohol well-concealed behind layers of fruit and soft grain.

Finish: Medium in length with a slightly dry, resinous close and lingering hop bitterness that gradually fades into a whisper of honeyed malt. The finish invites another sip rather than overwhelming the palate.

How to Drink Vestiges of Spring

Pour cold into a tulip glass or wide-mouthed IPA glass to fully open up the tropical aromatics; drinking straight from the can works but sacrifices much of the nose. This Double IPA is best consumed fresh — within a few weeks of purchase — as hop character fades with time. It pairs well as a standalone sipper on warm afternoons or alongside bold-flavored dishes where the hops can hold their ground.

Best For

• Sharing with craft beer enthusiasts at a spring or summer cookout
• Introducing hop-curious friends to the Double IPA style with an approachable, honey-kissed version
• Pairing alongside a charcuterie board or spicy grilled foods
• Adding to a curated seasonal beer tasting flight

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Vestiges of Spring taste like? Vestiges of Spring delivers juicy tropical and citrus flavors — primarily orange, pineapple, and mango — layered over a soft, honeyed malt sweetness with moderate hop bitterness on the close. It drinks deceptively smooth for a Double IPA at 8% ABV.

How does Vestiges of Spring compare to other Hop Butcher Double IPAs? The wildflower honey addition sets Vestiges of Spring apart from Hop Butcher's standard hop-forward releases by introducing a subtle floral sweetness and a slightly lighter body. The core hop intensity and signature haze remain, but the honey gives this expression a more nuanced, layered character.

Is Vestiges of Spring good for sipping on its own? Yes — the balanced interplay of tropical hops and wildflower honey makes it a satisfying standalone pour, especially when served cold in a proper glass that lets the aromatics develop fully.

Where is Vestiges of Spring made? Vestiges of Spring is brewed by Hop Butcher For The World in Chicago, Illinois, with production split between the brewery's Lincoln Avenue location and its Bedford Park facility.

What foods pair well with Vestiges of Spring? Spicy Thai or Mexican dishes work well, as the hop bitterness and citrus cut through heat. Grilled shrimp or fish tacos complement the tropical notes. Aged cheddar or gouda mirror the malt sweetness. A citrus-dressed arugula salad echoes the beer's bright character. Rich pork belly or carnitas benefit from the carbonation and hop bite as a palate cleanser.

What sizes does Vestiges of Spring come in? Vestiges of Spring is available in four-packs of 16 oz cans, the standard format for Hop Butcher's rotating releases.

Is Vestiges of Spring worth the price? Vestiges of Spring positions within the premium craft Double IPA tier, and the addition of wildflower honey plus a carefully selected hop bill justifies its place alongside other specialty small-batch releases from top-tier Midwest breweries.

Why Vestiges of Spring?

What sets this release apart is the wildflower honey — not as a gimmick, but as a deliberate brewing decision that reshapes the Double IPA experience without diminishing hop intensity. Reviewers on Untappd consistently note that the hops hold their own against the honey, maintaining the assertive, juicy character Hop Butcher is known for while adding a floral dimension rarely found in the style. With a 4.1 rating from the Untappd community and a brewery reputation built on limited, fast-moving releases, Vestiges of Spring rewards drinkers who grab it while it's fresh and available.