Phase Three Mini Swells 4PK

Phase Three Mini Swells 4PK is a hazy pale ale from Phase Three Brewing Company in Lake Zurich, Illinois, packaged in a 4-pack of 16oz cans at 4.5% ABV. As a scaled-down companion to Phase Three's acclaimed Swells series of double IPAs, Mini Swells channels the brewery's signature hop intensity into a lighter, more sessionable format without sacrificing aromatic punch.

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.5%  |  Origin: Lake Zurich, Illinois, USA  |  Style: Hazy Pale Ale  |  Brewery: Phase Three Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Phase Three Brewing Company was founded in 2020 by Andrew Giurbino in Lake Zurich, Illinois, and rapidly earned a reputation as one of the Midwest's most sought-after craft breweries. The brewery specializes in New England–style hop-forward beers, soft-bodied stouts, and fruit-laden sours. Mini Swells follows the brewery's approach of heavy late-addition and dry hopping to maximize aromatic expression while keeping bitterness restrained — a hallmark of the hazy pale ale style. At just 4.5% ABV, this expression sits well below the brewery's bigger Swells releases, making it an approachable entry point into Phase Three's hop-centric lineup.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Bright tropical fruit leads the nose — expect ripe mango and pineapple followed by softer notes of tangerine zest and white peach. A faint herbal, grassy undercurrent rounds out the bouquet without overshadowing the fruit-forward character.

Taste: The entry is pillowy and soft, with juicy tropical fruit landing immediately on the palate. Mid-palate brings a gentle citrus acidity — grapefruit pith and mandarin — that gives the beer structure without veering into sharp bitterness. A light oat-driven creaminess provides body that feels fuller than the modest ABV would suggest.

Finish: Clean and dry with lingering notes of stone fruit and a whisper of resinous hop oil. The finish fades quickly, inviting another sip rather than lingering on the tongue.

How to Drink Mini Swells

Drink Mini Swells cold, ideally straight from the can or poured into a tulip glass to concentrate the aromatics. This pale ale is built for warm-weather drinking and casual sessions. Its low ABV and tropical profile also make it a surprisingly effective beer for pairing alongside food — try it with fish tacos, grilled shrimp, or spicy Thai dishes where the soft body and fruit character complement bold flavors without competing.

Best For

• Backyard cookouts and warm-weather sessions where high ABV beers wear you down
• Introducing craft beer drinkers to Phase Three's hop-forward house style
• Pairing alongside spicy or citrus-driven foods
• Stocking a weekend cooler with a flavorful but sessionable option

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Mini Swells taste like? Mini Swells delivers juicy tropical fruit — mango, pineapple, and tangerine — wrapped in a soft, creamy body with minimal bitterness. It drinks like a full-flavored hazy IPA but at a fraction of the alcohol.

How does Mini Swells compare to Phase Three's Double Swells? Double Swells is a much bigger beer, typically clocking in at 8% ABV or higher with a denser, more intense hop profile. Mini Swells uses a similar hopping philosophy but in a 4.5% ABV pale ale format that prioritizes drinkability over power.

Is Mini Swells good for beginners? Yes — the low bitterness, approachable 4.5% ABV, and fruit-forward flavor profile make Mini Swells an excellent starting point for anyone exploring hazy hop-forward beers.

Where is Mini Swells made? Mini Swells is brewed at Phase Three Brewing Company in Lake Zurich, Illinois, a suburb northwest of Chicago. The brewery has operated since 2020 and distributes primarily in the greater Chicagoland area.

What foods pair well with Mini Swells? Fish tacos work well because the beer's citrus notes mirror a lime squeeze; grilled shrimp benefits from the tropical fruit contrast; Thai green curry finds balance in the soft mouthfeel; fresh ceviche shares the beer's bright acidity; and a simple margherita pizza lets the hop aromatics shine alongside basil and tomato.

What sizes does Mini Swells come in? Mini Swells is available in a 4-pack of 16oz cans, the standard format for Phase Three's hop-forward releases.

Is Mini Swells worth the price? Mini Swells positions as a premium craft pale ale from a highly regarded small-batch brewery. Phase Three's limited distribution and strong demand in the hazy beer community place it above mass-market pale ales in perceived value, and the quality of the hop expression supports that positioning.

Why Mini Swells?

Phase Three has built its reputation on maximizing hop flavor in every format, and Mini Swells proves that low-ABV beers don't have to sacrifice complexity. The 4.5% ABV sits in a sweet spot — enough malt backbone to support the generous hopping but light enough to drink through a long afternoon without fatigue. For fans of the Swells series who want the tropical, pillowy character in a more restrained package, Mini Swells fills that gap precisely. In a craft landscape crowded with session IPAs that often taste watered down, this pale ale delivers genuine depth from a brewery that has earned its place among the Midwest's most respected.