Half Day Cloud Cover IPA 4Pk

Half Day Cloud Cover IPA 4Pk is a double dry-hopped hazy IPA from Half Day Brewing Company in Lincolnshire, Illinois, brewed at 7% ABV. Scoring an 86 on BeerAdvocate, this New England-style IPA distinguishes itself through an aggressive double dry-hop regimen paired with a lactose addition that gives the beer its signature juicy, pillowy character.

Quick Facts: ABV: 7%  |  Origin: Lincolnshire, Illinois  |  Style: New England / Hazy IPA  |  Brewery: Half Day Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Half Day Brewing Company operates out of Lincolnshire, a suburb in Chicago's North Shore corridor. Cloud Cover IPA relies on a massive double dry-hop process, meaning hops are added in two separate charges during fermentation and conditioning to maximize aromatic intensity without ramping up harsh bitterness. The addition of lactose — an unfermentable milk sugar — rounds out the body and introduces a subtle sweetness that amplifies the beer's fruit-forward profile, a technique increasingly popular in top-tier hazy IPAs.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The double dry hop announces itself immediately with a wave of fresh mango and ripe citrus, followed by softer tropical undertones. A cool pear element lingers underneath, adding unexpected complexity to the nose.

Taste: The entry is plush and juice-like, with tangerine and mixed berries dominating the front palate. Mid-palate, vanilla and biscuity malt emerge alongside a gentle caramel sweetness. Bitterness is present but deliberately restrained — silky and integrated rather than sharp, allowing the hop fruit character to remain the focal point.

Finish: Lactose delivers a creamy, medium-length finish with a lingering sweetness that recalls tropical fruit nectar. Faint herbal and earthy hop notes surface at the tail end, keeping things balanced and encouraging the next sip.

How to Drink Cloud Cover IPA

Pour this one cold — around 40–45°F — into a tulip glass or stemless wine glass to concentrate those aromatic oils the double dry hop worked so hard to build. Drinking straight from the can is fine for casual sessions, but the nose is half the experience here.

• IPA Shandy: Blend with fresh lemonade for a citrus-on-citrus summer drink where Cloud Cover's mango and tangerine notes shine through.
• Beer-a-Rita: Use in place of a standard lager alongside lime juice and a salted rim — the lactose body holds up against the acid.
• Michelada: Cloud Cover's fruit-forward haze and smooth bitterness create an unconventional but rewarding backdrop for hot sauce, lime, and Worcestershire.

Best For

• Introducing a hop-curious friend to the hazy IPA style without overwhelming bitterness
• Backyard cookouts and grilling sessions where big tropical aromatics match smoky food
• Building a craft beer tasting flight featuring Illinois-brewed IPAs
• A weekend fridge staple for fans of soft, fruit-driven hop profiles

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cloud Cover IPA taste like? Cloud Cover IPA leads with juicy tangerine, mango, and mixed berry flavors supported by a creamy, lactose-smoothed body. Bitterness stays silky and restrained, letting the tropical fruit character take center stage.

How does Cloud Cover IPA compare to Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing? Both are hazy IPAs, but Cloud Cover uses lactose for added body and sweetness, giving it a noticeably creamier mouthfeel than Hazy Little Thing's lighter, more hop-bitter profile. Cloud Cover also sits at 7% ABV versus Hazy Little Thing's 6.7%, offering slightly more weight and intensity.

Is Cloud Cover IPA good for beginners? Yes — the lactose-driven smoothness and low perceived bitterness make it an approachable entry point for drinkers new to the IPA category, while the 7% ABV and double dry-hop complexity keep experienced hop fans engaged.

Where is Cloud Cover IPA made? Cloud Cover IPA is brewed by Half Day Brewing Company in Lincolnshire, Illinois, located in the northern suburbs of Chicago.

What foods pair well with Cloud Cover IPA? Grilled shrimp tacos with mango salsa mirror the beer's tropical notes. Spicy Thai basil chicken benefits from the lactose sweetness cutting through heat. A sharp cheddar or aged gouda contrasts the creamy body nicely. Fish and chips work as a classic pairing, while a citrus-dressed arugula salad complements the tangerine character.

What sizes does Cloud Cover IPA come in? Cloud Cover IPA is available in a 4-pack format, the standard packaging from Half Day Brewing Company for this expression.

Is Cloud Cover IPA worth the price? Cloud Cover positions as a craft-premium hazy IPA, and the double dry-hop process along with lactose addition justify its place above mass-market hazies. With an 86 on BeerAdvocate and strong community ratings on Untappd (3.8 out of 5 across over 3,100 reviews), it delivers solid value within the specialty IPA tier.

Why Cloud Cover IPA?

The double dry-hop technique is the engine of this beer — two separate hop additions extract maximum aromatic oil without over-extracting the vegetal, astringent compounds that plague lesser attempts at the style. Layering lactose on top of that process creates a textural depth that most single dry-hopped hazy IPAs simply cannot match. An 86 on BeerAdvocate and consistent 3.8 rating across thousands of Untappd reviews confirm that the approach resonates well beyond Lincolnshire. For drinkers seeking a hazy IPA that balances tropical intensity with genuine drinkability at 7% ABV, Cloud Cover earns serious consideration.