Mikerphone State of the Art 4Pk

Mikerphone State of the Art 4Pk is a West Coast–inspired IPA brewed in collaboration with Hop Butcher for Mikerphone Brewing's "Make Art Drink Beer" festival, sold in a four-pack of cans. This limited release stands out not only for its hop-forward character but for its collectible packaging — each can in the four-pack carries a unique label designed by one of four iconic concert poster artists: Joey Lala, Dan Grzeca, Jay Ryan, and Steve Walters.

Quick Facts: Style: West Coast IPA  |  Origin: Elk Grove Village, Illinois  |  Brewery: Mikerphone Brewing x Hop Butcher  |  Hops: Citra Incognito, Talus, Alora

Production & Heritage

Mikerphone Brewing, based in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, is known for its music-culture-meets-craft-beer ethos, regularly collaborating with artists and fellow breweries. For State of the Art, Mikerphone partnered with Chicago-area powerhouse Hop Butcher for the World to build a West Coast IPA around three hop varieties — Citra Incognito (a concentrated lupulin extract of Citra), Talus, and Alora. The result is a beer that nods to West Coast tradition with bright bitterness while incorporating the softer, more tropical hop expression that both breweries are celebrated for. The collaboration was brewed specifically for Mikerphone's annual "Make Art Drink Beer" festival, tying the liquid directly to the art-and-music community that defines the brand.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Intensely floral on first approach, with layers of citrus blossom and tropical fruit rising from the glass. A light grassy undertone adds classic West Coast character beneath the more modern hop aromatics.

Taste: The entry is remarkably soft for the style, with smooth citrus sweetness — think ripe tangerine and guava — spreading across the palate. Mid-palate, delicate floral notes from the Talus and Alora hops emerge, balanced by a measured bitterness that keeps things structured without veering into resinous territory. The overall impression bridges hazy softness with West Coast clarity.

Finish: Medium in length with a clean, gently bitter close. Lingering tropical and citrus notes fade gradually, inviting the next sip without any cloying sweetness.

How to Drink State of the Art

Pour cold into a tulip glass or standard pint to release the aromatic hop oils; drinking directly from the can mutes the floral complexity. This IPA is best enjoyed fresh, as hop-forward beers lose vibrancy over time. It pairs well alongside casual food — tacos with a citrus slaw, grilled fish, or a classic burger — where its bright hop profile can cut through richness.

Best For

• Gifting a craft beer collector who values limited-run artwork and collaboration releases
• Serving at a backyard cookout or music listening session with fellow hop enthusiasts
• Adding to a curated IPA tasting flight alongside other West Coast and hazy styles
• Celebrating the intersection of art and craft beer culture

Frequently Asked Questions

What does State of the Art taste like? State of the Art delivers smooth citrus sweetness — tangerine, guava, and tropical fruit — layered over a soft malt body, with floral hop notes and a clean, moderate bitterness on the finish.

How does State of the Art compare to a standard West Coast IPA? Traditional West Coast IPAs tend toward aggressive pine and resin bitterness, while State of the Art leans softer and more tropical thanks to Citra Incognito, Talus, and Alora hops, bridging the gap between West Coast clarity and hazy-style approachability.

Is State of the Art good for IPA beginners? Its softer bitterness and fruit-forward hop profile make it more accessible than many classic West Coast IPAs, though experienced hop fans will appreciate the nuanced layering of three distinct hop varieties.

Where is State of the Art made? State of the Art is brewed by Mikerphone Brewing in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, in collaboration with Hop Butcher for the World, also based in the greater Chicago area.

What foods pair well with State of the Art? Fish tacos with mango salsa complement the tropical hop notes; a sharp aged cheddar contrasts the citrus sweetness; grilled chicken with herb rub echoes the beer's floral character; and spicy Thai noodles benefit from the clean bitterness cutting through heat.

What sizes does State of the Art come in? State of the Art is available as a four-pack of cans, the standard format for this limited collaboration release.

Is State of the Art worth the price? As a limited festival collaboration between two respected Illinois breweries with collectible artist-designed labels, State of the Art positions in the premium craft IPA tier and carries added value for collectors of brewery art and one-off releases.

Why State of the Art?

State of the Art earns its name through a genuine fusion of craft beer and visual art — four distinct labels by four celebrated concert poster artists make each can a standalone collectible. The collaboration between Mikerphone Brewing and Hop Butcher brings together two of the Chicago area's most respected hop-driven breweries, each contributing expertise in extracting maximum flavor from modern hop varieties. The use of Citra Incognito lupulin extract alongside Talus and Alora creates a hop profile that is both technically sophisticated and immediately enjoyable. For anyone who values limited-run releases with genuine creative intent behind them, this four-pack delivers substance well beyond its packaging.