4 Hands Alter Ego 6Pk

4 Hands Alter Ego 6-Pack is a Black IPA (Cascadian Dark Ale) brewed by 4 Hands Brewing Company in St. Louis, Missouri, at 5.5% ABV. This hop-forward dark ale has earned a solid 3.8 out of 5 rating on Untappd across more than 7,100 reviews, reflecting its consistent appeal among craft beer drinkers drawn to the unconventional Black IPA style.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.5%  |  Origin: St. Louis, Missouri  |  Style: Black IPA / Cascadian Dark Ale  |  Brewery: 4 Hands Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

4 Hands Brewing Company operates out of St. Louis, Missouri, a city with deep brewing roots. Alter Ego is built around a duo of Citra and Zythos hops — Citra contributes bright citrus and tropical fruit character, while Zythos (a proprietary hop blend) adds layers of pine and additional citrus complexity. The dark malt backbone provides the beer's striking near-black color, but the roast character stays restrained, letting the hops take center stage — a hallmark of well-executed Black IPAs.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Citrus peel and tropical fruit punch through immediately, backed by a subtle roasted grain presence. The Citra hops dominate the nose with grapefruit and passionfruit tones.

Taste: The first sip delivers bright citrus hop flavor that contrasts against a light chocolate-malt undertone. Mid-palate, the bitterness builds with pine resin and more grapefruit, while the dark malts lend a slight toastiness without heavy roast. The mouthfeel stays medium-bodied and surprisingly clean for its dark appearance.

Finish: A lingering hop bitterness fades alongside faint dark malt warmth. The finish is dry and moderately long, encouraging the next sip.

How to Drink Alter Ego

Pour into a tulip glass or IPA glass at around 45–50°F to let the hop aromatics fully open up while preserving the malt complexity. Alter Ego is best enjoyed fresh and on its own, but it also works in beer-forward mixed drinks. A Black Velvet (layered with dry sparkling cider) plays off the dark malt and citrus hops nicely. A Beer-a-Rita built with Alter Ego instead of a pale lager gains an unexpected roasted depth. A simple Michelada variation benefits from the hop bitterness balancing the tomato and lime.

Best For

• Introducing a hop-lover to the Black IPA style
• Pairing with a backyard barbecue spread
• Adding variety to a craft beer tasting lineup
• Gifting to a friend who gravitates toward bold, darker beers

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Alter Ego taste like? Alter Ego leads with bright citrus and tropical hop flavors from Citra and Zythos hops, balanced by a restrained dark malt backbone that adds light toast and chocolate undertones without heavy roast.

How does Alter Ego compare to other Black IPAs? Black IPAs as a style prioritize hop character over roast, and Alter Ego leans firmly into that philosophy with its citrus-forward hop bill and clean finish. At 5.5% ABV, it sits on the more sessionable end of the style, which typically ranges from 5.5% to 7% or higher.

Is Alter Ego good for IPA fans new to dark beer? Yes — the dark color can be misleading, but the flavor profile is driven almost entirely by hops rather than heavy roast malt, making it an ideal bridge for IPA drinkers curious about darker styles.

Where is Alter Ego made? Alter Ego is brewed by 4 Hands Brewing Company in St. Louis, Missouri. The brewery is based in the city's LaSalle Park neighborhood.

What foods pair well with Alter Ego? Smoked brisket or pulled pork complements the roasted malt notes. Spicy tacos with citrus salsa echo the hop character. Sharp cheddar cheese contrasts the bitterness. Grilled burgers with caramelized onions match the malt sweetness. Dark chocolate brownies mirror the subtle cocoa undertone.

What sizes does Alter Ego come in? Alter Ego is commonly available in a 6-pack format, which is the standard offering from 4 Hands for this release.

Is Alter Ego worth the price? Alter Ego positions as a craft 6-pack in the approachable price tier, competitive with other regional craft IPAs. Its 3.8 Untappd rating across thousands of reviews suggests reliable quality and solid value within the Black IPA category.

Why Alter Ego?

Black IPAs occupy a niche corner of the craft beer world, and Alter Ego is one of the more accessible entries in the style thanks to its moderate 5.5% ABV and citrus-driven hop profile. The Citra and Zythos hop combination delivers the tropical, resinous punch that modern IPA drinkers expect, while the dark malt bill adds visual drama and just enough roasted complexity to distinguish it from a standard IPA. With consistent community ratings across thousands of reviews, it has proven itself beyond novelty. For drinkers who find pale IPAs predictable, Alter Ego delivers a genuinely different experience without demanding a palate adjustment.