4 Hands Contact High

4 Hands Contact High is a 5% ABV hoppy wheat ale brewed by 4 Hands Brewing Company in St. Louis, Missouri. What distinguishes this beer from conventional wheat ales is its dual-punch approach: fresh orange zest layered with late- and dry-hop additions of Cascade and Centennial hops sourced from the Pacific Northwest.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5%  |  Origin: St. Louis, Missouri  |  Style: Hoppy Wheat Ale  |  Brewery: 4 Hands Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

4 Hands Brewing Company operates out of St. Louis, Missouri, a city with deep brewing roots. Contact High starts with a wheat ale base, then takes a sharp turn from the style's mellow reputation—brewers add fresh orange zest during the process and employ both late-hopping and dry-hopping techniques with generous amounts of Cascade and Centennial hops. These two classic American hop varieties, grown in the Pacific Northwest, lend the beer its signature citrus-pine-floral character while the wheat backbone provides body and a slightly hazy texture.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Big citrus leads the nose immediately, with orange peel and grapefruit rind dominating. Underneath, faint tropical notes of pineapple and melon emerge alongside gentle floral hop aromatics.

Taste: Zippy citrus hits first on the palate, quickly followed by bright grapefruit and subtle pine resin at mid-palate. The wheat malt lends a somewhat thick, hazy mouthfeel that carries tropical fruit suggestions—pineapple, melon, and cantaloupe—without any single note becoming overpowering.

Finish: The finish lands dry with a slightly fruity linger that keeps things clean and drinkable. Residual floral hop character and a whisper of orange zest fade gradually.

How to Drink Contact High

Contact High pours a bright orange hue and drinks best cold, straight from the can or poured into a tulip glass to release its aromatic complexity. Its 5% ABV and citrus-forward profile make it a natural session beer for warm-weather drinking. The hop-driven citrus character also works well in a Beer Shandy, mixed with fresh lemonade for a refreshing summer cooler. Try it in a Michelada, where the grapefruit and orange zest complement lime, hot sauce, and tomato juice. It also holds its own in a Beermosa, substituting for lighter wheat ales alongside fresh orange juice at brunch.

Best For

• Backyard cookouts and warm-weather gatherings where sessionability matters
• Introducing hop-curious drinkers to American craft beer without IPA intensity
• Pairing with grilled foods at a summer barbecue
• Stocking a diverse craft beer fridge with a versatile wheat ale

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Contact High taste like? Contact High delivers bright citrus flavors—grapefruit, orange, and tropical fruit including pineapple and melon—supported by subtle pine and floral hop notes. The wheat base gives it a slightly thick, hazy body with a dry, clean finish.

How does Contact High compare to Lagunitas Little Sumpin' Sumpin'? Both are wheat ales with assertive hop character, but Contact High leans more heavily into citrus from its fresh orange zest addition and sits at a lower 5% ABV compared to Little Sumpin' Sumpin's 7.5% ABV. Contact High is lighter-bodied and more sessionable, while Lagunitas' offering carries more malt sweetness and hop bitterness.

Is Contact High good for beginners? Yes—its approachable 5% ABV and fruit-forward flavor profile make it an excellent gateway into hoppy craft beer without the bitterness of a full IPA.

Where is Contact High made? Contact High is brewed by 4 Hands Brewing Company in St. Louis, Missouri. The Cascade and Centennial hops used in the recipe are sourced from the Pacific Northwest.

What foods pair well with Contact High? Grilled shrimp tacos complement the beer's citrus brightness. Fish and chips benefit from the dry, hoppy finish cutting through fried richness. A citrus-dressed arugula salad mirrors the orange zest notes. Spicy Thai dishes work well as the wheat body tempers heat, and fresh ceviche echoes the tropical fruit character.

What sizes does Contact High come in? Contact High is commonly available in standard 12 oz cans, typically packaged in six-packs.

Is Contact High worth the price? Contact High positions as a solid everyday craft beer, sitting in the accessible tier for American craft wheat ales. Its distinct orange zest and dual-hop technique deliver more flavor complexity than many beers in its price range.

Why Contact High?

Contact High earns its place by refusing to be just another wheat ale. The deliberate use of fresh orange zest—not extract, not flavoring—combined with late- and dry-hopping using two of the Pacific Northwest's most expressive hop varieties creates a beer that bridges the gap between easygoing wheat ales and hop-forward styles. At 5% ABV, it stays squarely in session territory without sacrificing flavor density. For drinkers who want citrus complexity, a hazy pour, and enough hop presence to stay interesting through a second or third pour, this St. Louis wheat ale delivers on all counts.