Hop Butcher Aspect of Leo 4Pk

Hop Butcher Aspect of Leo 4Pk is a 6.5% ABV India Pale Ale brewed with blood orange and Citra hops by Chicago's Hop Butcher for The World. The blood orange addition distinguishes this release from standard single-hop Citra IPAs, delivering layered citrus character that has earned it a strong 4.0 out of 5 rating on Untappd across hundreds of reviews.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6.5%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: IPA with Blood Orange  |  Brewery: Hop Butcher for The World

Production & Heritage

Hop Butcher for The World operates out of 4257 N Lincoln Ave in Chicago, Illinois, and has built a reputation for rotating, hop-forward releases that push beyond conventional IPA formulas. Aspect of Leo combines a Citra hop bill with real blood orange, resulting in a hazy, smooth body that bridges the gap between a traditional West Coast IPA and a juicier New England style. The use of blood orange as a brewing adjunct amplifies the natural citrus and tropical qualities inherent in Citra hops while adding tartness and depth uncommon in single-hop IPAs.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Blood orange peel dominates the nose immediately, followed by zesty grapefruit and tangy orange rind from the Citra hops. A backdrop of pine-forward resin rounds out the aromatics with a classic IPA edge.

Taste: The entry is bright and fruit-driven, with juicy blood orange and citrus peel hitting first. At mid-palate, a gentle malt backbone emerges alongside subtle sweetness, balancing the hop bitterness. The peak brings together a mildly spicy Citra hop character with tangy blood orange peel and a touch of tropical fruit.

Finish: Medium in length with a clean, lightly resinous bitterness that fades into residual citrus peel and soft floral notes. The finish stays refreshing rather than cloying, inviting the next sip without fatigue.

How to Drink Aspect of Leo

Pour into a tulip glass or standard pint to release the full blood orange and Citra aromatics; drink fresh, as hop-forward IPAs lose vibrancy over time. Aspect of Leo works well in a Shandy, where its citrus intensity holds up against lemonade without becoming bland. Try it in a Michelada — the blood orange tartness pairs naturally with lime and hot sauce. It also suits a Beer Margarita, where its fruit-forward profile amplifies the citrus base of the cocktail.

Best For

• Sharing with friends during a backyard cookout or game day gathering
• Introducing hop-curious drinkers to fruit-forward IPAs without overwhelming bitterness
• Pairing with bold, spicy foods that benefit from citrus contrast
• Adding to a craft beer tasting lineup focused on single-hop or adjunct IPAs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Aspect of Leo taste like? Aspect of Leo leads with bright blood orange and grapefruit citrus, supported by a smooth malt body and a mildly spicy, resinous Citra hop finish. The overall impression is juicy and refreshing with moderate bitterness.

How does Aspect of Leo compare to Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA? Both beers rely heavily on Citra hops for their citrus-forward profiles, but Aspect of Leo differentiates itself with the addition of blood orange, which adds tartness and a deeper fruit layer. Fresh Squeezed IPA, at 6.4% ABV, blends Citra with Mosaic hops for a more tropical and less tart character.

Is Aspect of Leo good for IPA beginners? Yes — its 6.5% ABV is moderate, and the blood orange smooths out the hop bitterness, making it more approachable than many aggressively hopped IPAs while still delivering full IPA flavor.

Where is Aspect of Leo made? Aspect of Leo is brewed by Hop Butcher for The World at their brewery located at 4257 N Lincoln Ave in Chicago, Illinois. The brewery is known for its rotating roster of hop-driven releases distributed primarily in the Midwest.

What foods pair well with Aspect of Leo? Grilled fish tacos complement the blood orange citrus, while spicy Thai curry benefits from the beer's fruity sweetness against the heat. Sharp cheddar or aged gouda match the malt backbone. Citrus-dressed salads echo the hop and fruit notes, and charred street corn brings out the beer's subtle malt sweetness.

What sizes does Aspect of Leo come in? Aspect of Leo is available as a 4-pack of cans, which is the standard format for Hop Butcher for The World's rotating IPA releases.

Is Aspect of Leo worth the price? Aspect of Leo positions as a premium craft IPA within the rotating small-batch category, where limited availability and specialty adjuncts like blood orange justify a higher price point than year-round macro-craft IPAs. Its consistently strong community ratings suggest solid value for hop enthusiasts seeking something beyond standard Citra IPAs.

Why Aspect of Leo?

What separates Aspect of Leo from the crowded field of Citra-hopped IPAs is the deliberate use of blood orange as a brewing ingredient rather than a flavoring afterthought. This choice produces citrus complexity — tart, sweet, and bitter in layers — that a single hop variety alone cannot achieve. With a 4.0 out of 5 Untappd rating across hundreds of reviews, it has earned consistent praise from the craft beer community. For drinkers seeking a Chicago-brewed IPA that delivers genuine fruit character without sacrificing hop integrity, Aspect of Leo stands as one of Hop Butcher's more compelling limited releases.