Wild Onion Misfit 6Pk

Wild Onion Misfit 6Pk is a 6.5% ABV American IPA from Lake Barrington, Illinois, sold in a six-pack format. Brewed with Centennial and Citra hops and processed through a centrifugal filtering system that preserves hop oils typically lost in conventional filtration, Misfit has earned an 86 rating on BeerAdvocate and holds a 3.7 out of 5 on Untappd across more than 23,500 ratings.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6.5%  |  IBU: 75  |  Origin: Lake Barrington, Illinois  |  Style: American IPA  |  Brewery: Wild Onion Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Wild Onion Brewing Company operates out of the Onion Pub & Brewery in Lake Barrington, Illinois. Misfit IPA is built on a dual-hop bill of Centennial and Citra, balanced against a substantial malt backbone that the brewery describes as velvety and chewy. A defining production choice is Wild Onion's use of centrifugal filtration rather than conventional plate or pad filters—this technology retains greater hop oil content, which directly supports the aromatic intensity and flavor complexity of a hop-forward beer like Misfit.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Lemon-lime zest leads, followed by freshly squeezed grapefruit and a subtle resinous hop quality from the Centennial addition. The Citra hops push tropical citrus to the foreground.

Taste: The entry is prickly and bright with immediate citrus-lime character. Mid-palate, toasted bready malt emerges to provide structure and chewiness, balancing the 75 IBU bitterness. The combination delivers a full, layered IPA experience without tipping into harsh astringency.

Finish: A pleasantly bitter, lingering citrus peel note fades gradually alongside residual breadiness. The finish is medium-long and clean, with the centrifugal filtration keeping the texture smooth rather than gritty.

How to Drink Misfit IPA

Misfit is best served cold at 45–50°F in a tulip glass or standard pint to open up hop aromatics. At 6.5% ABV and 75 IBU, it stands well on its own but also works in beer-forward mixed drinks. A Hop Shandy (half Misfit, half lemonade) plays off its natural citrus profile. A Michelada variation benefits from Misfit's bright grapefruit bitterness against lime and hot sauce. A Boilermaker paired with a pour of bourbon creates a compelling contrast between the IPA's citrus hops and the whiskey's caramel sweetness.

Best For

• Backyard grilling sessions where hop bitterness cuts through charred, fatty meats
• Bringing a six-pack to a craft beer enthusiast's gathering
• Pairing with bold, spicy cuisine on a weeknight
• Exploring Illinois craft brewing beyond the Chicago city limits

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Misfit IPA taste like? Misfit IPA leads with prickly citrus-lime hop flavor from Citra and Centennial hops, supported by a chewy, toasted malt body and a clean bitter finish at 75 IBU.

How does Misfit IPA compare to Bell's Two Hearted Ale? Bell's Two Hearted is a single-hop Centennial IPA at 7% ABV with a more floral, piney profile, while Misfit blends Centennial with Citra at 6.5% ABV for a more pronounced citrus-forward character. Misfit's centrifugal filtration also gives it a smoother mouthfeel compared to Two Hearted's unfiltered approach.

Is Misfit IPA good for IPA beginners? At 75 IBU, Misfit sits in the firmly bitter range for American IPAs, but the chewy malt backbone and citrus-forward hops make it more approachable than intensely resinous West Coast styles.

Where is Misfit IPA made? Misfit IPA is brewed by Wild Onion Brewing Company at the Onion Pub & Brewery in Lake Barrington, Illinois, located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.

What foods pair well with Misfit IPA? Spicy buffalo wings work well, as the citrus bitterness tempers the heat. Grilled burgers with sharp cheddar complement the malt backbone. Fish tacos with lime crema echo the beer's grapefruit notes. A margherita pizza finds balance between the basil and the hop bitterness. Aged Gouda pairs naturally with the toasted bread character in the malt.

What sizes does Misfit IPA come in? Misfit IPA is available in a standard six-pack format from Wild Onion Brewing Company.

Is Misfit IPA worth the price? Misfit positions as a craft IPA in the mid-range value tier—competitive with other regional six-pack IPAs while offering a distinct production advantage in its centrifugal filtration, which delivers noticeably smoother hop flavor retention than conventionally filtered beers.

Why Misfit IPA?

The centrifugal filtration process is the clearest differentiator here. Where most breweries strip hop oils during standard filtration, Wild Onion's approach preserves the volatile aromatics that define a Citra and Centennial hop bill—meaning the citrus and grapefruit character you smell actually carries through to the glass. With an 86 on BeerAdvocate and more than 23,500 Untappd ratings averaging 3.7, Misfit has a proven track record of delivering consistent quality. For drinkers looking beyond mass-market IPAs but not chasing hype-driven limited releases, it fills a reliable, well-made slot in the American IPA category.