Illuminated King Felix 4Pk

Illuminated King Felix 4Pk is a limited-release double dry-hopped hazy Double IPA from Illuminated Brew Works in Chicago, IL, at 7.5% ABV. Brewed as a single-batch, one-off release, King Felix has earned a devoted following among haze enthusiasts, carrying a 3.92 average across over 2,300 ratings on Hop Culture.

Quick Facts: ABV: 7.5%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Imperial / Double New England IPA  |  Brewery: Illuminated Brew Works

Production & Heritage

Illuminated Brew Works operates out of Chicago, Illinois, contributing to the city's increasingly respected craft beer scene. King Felix is built on a creamy flaked oat and 2-row malt base, then double dry-hopped at a rate of 4 pounds per barrel using Motueka, Mandarina Bavaria, and Nelson Sauvin hops — a trio known for delivering intense tropical and stone fruit character. This beer was produced as a single-batch, one-off brew, making each 4-pack particularly scarce and sought after among collectors and hop-forward beer drinkers.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe tangerine and passionfruit dominate the nose immediately, followed by waves of nectarine and a subtle earthy hop resin. The heavy dry-hop load creates an almost juice-like aromatic intensity from the pour.

Taste: The entry is lush and tropical — tangerine pulp and passionfruit lead into a mid-palate layered with nectarine and a breadier malt sweetness from the oat and 2-row base. At the peak, citrus and earthy hop notes converge with surprising complexity, balancing fruity exuberance against a sticky, resinous backbone. Reviewers consistently highlight a smoothie-like quality that keeps the 7.5% ABV remarkably drinkable.

Finish: Medium-long with a creamy, slightly sticky mouthfeel and lingering rind-like bitterness. The oat base provides a soft, pillowy texture through the close, while tropical fruit echoes fade gradually.

How to Drink King Felix

Pour King Felix into a tulip glass or stemless wine glass at around 40–45°F to let the aromatic hop oils fully express themselves. This beer is best enjoyed fresh and on its own to appreciate the layered dry-hop character. If mixing into beer cocktails, consider a Radler with fresh grapefruit juice to amplify the citrus profile, a Michelada where the creamy body stands up well to lime and hot sauce, or a Shandy with lemonade for a lighter warm-weather variation.

Best For

• Sharing with friends who hunt limited-release hazy IPAs
• Bringing to a craft beer tasting or bottle share event
• Gifting a hop-obsessed beer enthusiast something genuinely rare
• Pairing with a weekend cookout featuring grilled or smoked meats

Frequently Asked Questions

What does King Felix taste like? King Felix delivers a lush, tropical flavor profile dominated by tangerine, passionfruit, and nectarine, supported by a bready malt sweetness and a creamy, smoothie-like body from its flaked oat base. A sticky, resinous hop bitterness provides balance without overwhelming the fruit-forward character.

How does King Felix compare to other hazy DIPAs? King Felix distinguishes itself through its specific triple-hop combination of Motueka, Mandarina Bavaria, and Nelson Sauvin, which skews more toward stone fruit and white grape than the purely citrus-forward profiles common in many New England-style doubles. Its single-batch scarcity also sets it apart from year-round hazy DIPAs on the market.

Is King Felix good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — the creamy oat body, medium carbonation, and layered tropical hop character make it ideal for slow, contemplative drinking straight from a proper glass at a cool serving temperature.

Where is King Felix made? King Felix is brewed by Illuminated Brew Works in Chicago, Illinois. The brewery is part of Chicago's thriving craft beer community and is known for producing limited-run, hop-forward ales.

What foods pair well with King Felix? Grilled shrimp tacos with mango salsa complement the tropical hop notes. Aged white cheddar mirrors the creamy body while adding a savory contrast. Spicy Thai green curry works well, as the beer's sweetness tempers heat. Smoked pork ribs with a citrus-based glaze echo the tangerine and stone fruit flavors. Fresh ceviche aligns naturally with the bright, juicy character of the hops.

What sizes does King Felix come in? King Felix is available as a 4-pack of cans, which is the standard format released by Illuminated Brew Works for this particular brew.

Is King Felix worth the price? King Felix positions as a premium limited-release hazy Double IPA, and its single-batch rarity, generous 4-pound-per-barrel dry-hop rate, and strong community ratings support its value within that tier. For hop-forward beer fans who prioritize freshness and scarcity, it represents a solid investment.

Why King Felix?

What elevates King Felix beyond a typical hazy Double IPA is its one-off, single-batch production — once it's gone, it's gone. The 4-pound-per-barrel double dry-hop rate places it at the heavier end of hop loading, extracting maximum aroma and flavor from its distinctive Motueka, Mandarina Bavaria, and Nelson Sauvin combination. With a 3.92 average across over 2,300 ratings on Hop Culture and a devoted following, King Felix has proven itself as one of Illuminated Brew Works' most acclaimed releases. For drinkers who value rarity, expressive hop character, and a pillowy oat-driven mouthfeel, this Chicago-brewed DIPA delivers substance behind the hype.