Hopewell Tiny Waves 4Pk

Hopewell Tiny Waves 4Pk is a hazy IPA from Chicago's Hopewell Brewing Co., packaged as a 4-pack of cans at 6.7% ABV. Developed as a one-off riff on the brewery's flagship hazy IPA, Lightbeam, Tiny Waves dials up the tropical intensity with a New Zealand and Southern Hemisphere hop bill that has earned it a solid 3.9 out of 5 rating on Untappd across more than 500 reviews.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6.7%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Hazy IPA  |  Brewery: Hopewell Brewing Co.

Production & Heritage

Hopewell Brewing Co. operates out of Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood, where it has built a reputation for approachable yet technically sound ales. According to the brewery, Tiny Waves is hopped with Rakau, Wai-iti, and Nelson Sauvin — all New Zealand varieties known for producing expressive tropical and white wine-like aromatics. The result is a hazy, unfiltered IPA with a pillowy body and vibrant hop character that distinguishes it from Hopewell's core Lightbeam offering through its concentrated fruit-forward intensity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Passion fruit and ripe peach hit first, followed by a rush of citrus zest and a faint floral, almost grape-like quality from the Nelson Sauvin hops. The overall impression is juicy and inviting.

Taste: The entry is soft and pillowy, immediately delivering waves of tropical fruit — mango, guava, and passion fruit dominate the mid-palate. Grapefruit pith and tangerine build toward the peak, balanced by a restrained bitterness that keeps the sweetness in check. The mouthfeel is medium-full with a silky, almost creamy texture typical of well-executed hazy IPAs.

Finish: Moderately long, with lingering notes of citrus zest and stone fruit. A clean, dry close prevents the beer from feeling cloying despite its fruit-forward profile.

How to Drink Tiny Waves

Pour into a tulip glass or stemless wine glass at 40–45°F to fully release the aromatic hop oils. Tiny Waves is best enjoyed fresh — hazy IPAs lose hop vibrancy over time, so drink within a few weeks of purchase. For cocktail-adjacent serves, try a Hoppy Shandy blended with fresh lemonade, where the tropical hops amplify citrus notes. A Michelada variation using Tiny Waves adds a fruity counterpoint to lime and hot sauce. A Beer-mosa with fresh-squeezed orange juice plays naturally off the beer's peach and passion fruit character.

Best For

• Summer cookouts where a fruit-forward, sessionable hazy IPA keeps the mood light
• Introducing a craft-curious friend to the hazy IPA style without overwhelming bitterness
• Pairing with grilled seafood and spicy dishes on a warm evening
• Exploring Chicago's craft beer scene beyond the usual suspects

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Tiny Waves taste like? Tiny Waves delivers an intensely tropical flavor profile dominated by passion fruit, ripe peach, and grapefruit, supported by a soft, creamy mouthfeel and moderate bitterness. It has been described as a "tropical juice bomb" by those who have reviewed it.

How does Tiny Waves compare to Hopewell Lightbeam? Lightbeam is Hopewell's flagship hazy IPA and serves as the template from which Tiny Waves was derived. Tiny Waves amplifies the tropical hop character with its all-New Zealand hop bill, making it more fruit-forward and aromatic than the more balanced Lightbeam.

Is Tiny Waves good for beginners? Its low bitterness and juicy, fruit-driven flavor make it an excellent entry point for drinkers new to IPAs. The 6.7% ABV is moderate enough to remain approachable while still delivering full hop flavor.

Where is Tiny Waves made? Tiny Waves is brewed by Hopewell Brewing Co. in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. Hopewell is a independent craft brewery known for its range of hop-forward and lager-style beers.

What foods pair well with Tiny Waves? Grilled shrimp tacos with mango salsa mirror the beer's tropical notes. Thai green curry benefits from the hop bitterness cutting through coconut richness. A citrus-dressed arugula salad complements the grapefruit character. Fish and chips work well, as the carbonation and bitterness cut through fried batter. Soft, creamy cheeses like burrata provide textural contrast to the bright hop flavors.

What sizes does Tiny Waves come in? Tiny Waves is available as a 4-pack of cans, which is the standard retail format for this release.

Is Tiny Waves worth the price? Tiny Waves positions as a craft-tier hazy IPA from a respected independent Chicago brewery, and its limited-release nature adds to the appeal. For fans of tropical, New Zealand-hopped hazies, it represents strong value within the premium craft 4-pack segment.

Why Tiny Waves?

Tiny Waves stands apart because of its focused New Zealand hop bill — Rakau, Wai-iti, and Nelson Sauvin are not commonly grouped together, and their combination produces a distinctive aromatic fingerprint that leans more toward white grape and tropical fruit than the Citra-and-Mosaic norm dominating the hazy IPA category. Its origins as a one-off variant of Hopewell's well-regarded Lightbeam give it a built-in pedigree, and the 3.9 Untappd rating across 500-plus reviews confirms broad drinker approval. For anyone seeking a hazy IPA that breaks from the American hop playbook, Tiny Waves is a compelling and flavorful departure.