Illuminated Watermelon Gun 4Pk

Illuminated Watermelon Gun 4Pk is a farmhouse ale brewed with a Pilsen and wheat base and re-fermented on fresh watermelon, coming in at approximately 6.5% ABV. Produced by Illuminated Brew Works in Chicago, this saison-style beer stands apart through its use of hand-scooped watermelon and kaffir lime leaves, delivering a fruit-forward character that finishes remarkably dry and clean.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~6.5%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Farmhouse Ale  |  Brewery: Illuminated Brew Works

Production & Heritage

Illuminated Brew Works operates out of 6186 N Northwest Hwy in Chicago, Illinois. Watermelon Gun starts with a Pilsen and wheat malt base, then undergoes re-fermentation on fresh watermelon — roughly 1.5 whole watermelons per 10-barrel batch, each hand-prepared and scooped down to the white of the rind to capture maximum flavor. Kaffir lime leaves are added during the process, lending a subtle citrus complexity that bridges the gap between the fruit sweetness and the beer's farmhouse yeast character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe watermelon leads immediately, followed by a subtle green, almost candy-like sweetness. Behind the fruit sits a faint herbal note from the kaffir lime leaves.

Taste: The entry is juicy and unmistakably watermelon, with a flavor profile that recalls watermelon candy without veering into cloying territory. Mid-palate, green apple and mild wheat breadiness emerge, while the farmhouse yeast dries things out considerably. The kaffir lime leaves contribute a quiet citrus edge that keeps the fruit grounded.

Finish: Crisp, dry, and surprisingly clean given the upfront fruit intensity. Carbonation lifts the palate, and the watermelon fades quickly, leaving a refreshing, bone-dry close with minimal lingering sweetness.

How to Drink Watermelon Gun

Pour cold into a tulip glass or wide-mouth pint to let the watermelon aromatics open up; the dry finish and lively carbonation make it a natural warm-weather sipper straight from the can as well. A Watermelon Shandy works beautifully here — mix half Watermelon Gun with fresh lemonade for a low-ABV patio drink. Try a Farmhouse Michelada using Watermelon Gun in place of a standard lager, where the fruit and lime-leaf notes complement hot sauce and lime juice. For a simple twist, build a Watermelon Radler by combining the beer with sparkling grapefruit soda, letting the citrus amplify the kaffir lime character.

Best For

• Backyard barbecues and cookouts where a fruit-forward but dry beer outperforms sweet hard seltzers
• Introducing farmhouse ale skeptics to the style through an approachable, fruit-driven entry point
• Supporting Chicago's independent craft scene with a distinctive local release
• Hot-weather sessions where the low perceived alcohol and dry finish encourage easy drinking

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Watermelon Gun taste like? Watermelon Gun delivers a pronounced, juicy watermelon flavor up front — almost candy-like in its intensity — before drying out completely with a crisp, clean farmhouse finish. The kaffir lime leaves add a subtle herbal-citrus dimension beneath the fruit.

How does Watermelon Gun compare to 21st Amendment Hell or High Watermelon? Hell or High Watermelon is an American wheat beer with a lighter, more restrained watermelon presence and straightforward wheat-beer body. Watermelon Gun pushes the watermelon flavor further and uses a farmhouse yeast strain that produces a drier, more complex finish, plus the addition of kaffir lime leaves adds a layer not found in the 21st Amendment offering.

Is Watermelon Gun good for beginners? Yes — the alcohol is nearly undetectable at 6.5% ABV, and the familiar watermelon flavor makes it immediately accessible to drinkers who may not typically reach for farmhouse ales or saisons.

Where is Watermelon Gun made? Watermelon Gun is brewed by Illuminated Brew Works at their facility on North Northwest Highway in Chicago, Illinois.

What foods pair well with Watermelon Gun? Grilled shrimp skewers benefit from the beer's dry finish and lime-leaf character. A watermelon and feta salad mirrors the fruit notes while the carbonation cuts through the cheese's richness. Spicy Thai green papaya salad echoes the kaffir lime component. Pulled pork tacos with a mango salsa complement the fruit sweetness, and light goat cheese on crostini pairs well with the farmhouse yeast tang.

What sizes does Watermelon Gun come in? Watermelon Gun is available as a 4-pack of cans from Illuminated Brew Works.

Is Watermelon Gun worth the price? Watermelon Gun positions as a small-batch craft release from an independent Chicago brewery, using hand-prepared whole watermelon — a labor-intensive process that justifies its pricing within the premium craft tier.

Why Watermelon Gun?

What separates Watermelon Gun from the crowded watermelon beer category is the production commitment: 1.5 whole watermelons per 10-barrel batch, each hand-scooped to the rind, then used for a genuine re-fermentation rather than a simple flavoring addition. The farmhouse yeast backbone provides structure and dryness that most fruit beers lack, preventing the sweetness from dominating. The kaffir lime leaf addition is an uncommon move that gives the beer a layered complexity unusual for the style. For drinkers who want real watermelon character without residual sugar weighing down the glass, this is a sharply focused, well-executed farmhouse ale from one of Chicago's independent producers.