Mikerphone Mikerphone Check 1, 2 4Pk

Mikerphone Mikerphone Check 1, 2 4Pk is a double dry-hopped Imperial IPA from Mikerphone Brewing in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, clocking in at 8% ABV. Brewed exclusively with Citra hops across multiple additions, this flagship expression carries a strong 4.2 out of 5 rating on Untappd from over 18,500 reviews — a testament to its devoted following in the competitive Midwest craft beer scene.

Quick Facts: ABV: 8%  |  Origin: Elk Grove Village, Illinois  |  Style: Double Dry-Hopped Imperial IPA  |  Brewery: Mikerphone Brewing

Production & Heritage

Mikerphone Brewing launched in Elk Grove Village in 2015 and was promptly named Best New Brewery in Illinois by RateBeer and recognized as one of the Best New Breweries in the World by BeerAdvocate Magazine. Check 1, 2 uses a grain bill built on Rahr Pilsner malt with generous portions of flaked oats, white wheat, Golden Naked Oats, and Carapils — a combination engineered for a soft, pillowy mouthfeel that cushions the aggressive hop load. The double dry-hopping protocol involves Citra additions at three distinct stages: a 60-minute hop stand at 160°F, a dry hop on day three of fermentation, and a final dry hop at the tail end of fermentation, totaling nearly 19 ounces of Citra per batch to extract maximum tropical character with minimal harsh bitterness.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: A pungent blast of tropical citrus hits immediately — ripe pineapple and grapefruit dominate, backed by dank resinous hop notes. A faint spearmint quality and light yeast character emerge as it warms.

Taste: The entry is juicy and citrus-forward, with grapefruit pith and pineapple rolling across the palate. At mid-palate, the oat-heavy grain bill delivers a creamy, almost pillowy texture that tempers the hop intensity. Melon and lemon zest surface toward the peak, keeping the profile dynamic without veering into one-note sweetness.

Finish: Moderate bitterness lingers cleanly without astringency, leaving a trail of grapefruit rind and faint tropical fruit. The finish is medium in length, dry enough to invite the next sip but with enough residual hop oil to remind you this is a serious double IPA.

How to Drink Check 1, 2

Pour into a tulip glass or stemmed IPA glass at 40–45°F to let the aromatic oils open up fully; drinking straight from the can mutes the complex hop aromatics. A Paloma riff using Check 1, 2 in place of grapefruit soda works surprisingly well given its natural citrus intensity. A Beer-a-rita (blended with lime juice, salt rim, and a splash of agave) leans into the tropical profile. For a simple twist, a Shandy with fresh lemonade and a dash of ginger extends the session without burying the Citra character.

Best For

• Gifting a craft beer enthusiast who gravitates toward hazy, hop-forward styles
• Backyard cookouts and grilling sessions where big citrus flavors match bold food
• Side-by-side tastings comparing single-hop Citra IPAs across different breweries
• Introducing a friend to the Imperial IPA category with a smooth, approachable entry point

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Check 1, 2 taste like? Check 1, 2 leads with juicy grapefruit and pineapple, supported by a creamy oat body and moderate bitterness on the close. The double dry-hop technique keeps the citrus vibrant while the grain bill softens any harsh edges.

How does Check 1, 2 compare to Bell's Hopslam? Both are Midwest-brewed Imperial IPAs in the 8–10% ABV range, but Check 1, 2 is a single-hop Citra showcase while Hopslam uses a broader hop bill and adds honey for sweetness and a higher ABV. Check 1, 2 generally reads juicier and more tropical, whereas Hopslam leans into bolder malt sweetness and bitterness.

Is Check 1, 2 good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — the oat-heavy grain bill and restrained bitterness make it one of the more drinkable Imperial IPAs at 8% ABV, though the alcohol is present enough to warrant a measured pace.

Where is Check 1, 2 made? Check 1, 2 is brewed by Mikerphone Brewing in Elk Grove Village, a suburb northwest of Chicago in Illinois. The brewery has operated from this location since its founding in 2015.

What foods pair well with Check 1, 2? Spicy tacos al pastor benefit from the beer's tropical citrus cutting through the heat. Grilled shrimp with mango salsa echoes the pineapple notes. A sharp aged cheddar contrasts the creamy mouthfeel. Fish and chips work well as the bitterness offsets the fried richness. Fresh ceviche mirrors the citrus-forward aromatics.

What sizes does Check 1, 2 come in? Check 1, 2 is primarily available in 4-packs of cans, the standard retail format for this expression.

Is Check 1, 2 worth the price? Check 1, 2 positions as a premium craft Imperial IPA, and its 4.2 Untappd rating across thousands of reviews, single-hop Citra focus, and complex triple-addition dry-hopping process place it in strong company within its price tier for double IPAs.

Why Check 1, 2?

The triple-stage Citra hopping process — hop stand at 160°F, mid-fermentation dry hop, and a final late-fermentation dry hop — is not a common protocol and extracts layered tropical character that single-addition beers rarely achieve. Mikerphone Brewing earned national recognition from both RateBeer and BeerAdvocate Magazine within its first year of operation, and Check 1, 2 has remained a flagship that defines the brewery's identity. The grain bill, loaded with flaked oats and wheat, produces a body that competes with the best hazy DIPAs while the single-hop approach keeps the flavor profile focused and readable. For drinkers seeking a Citra-driven Imperial IPA with genuine depth and a proven track record across more than 18,500 community ratings, this is a benchmark Illinois expression.