Lil Beaver Wainbows 4Pk

Lil Beaver Wainbows 4Pk is a hazy pale ale brewed in Bloomington, Illinois, at 5.5% ABV, sold in a four-pack. Rated 90 (Outstanding) on BeerAdvocate, this triple-hopped pale ale from Lil Beaver Brewery has earned recognition as one of the standout craft beers in the state.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.5%  |  Origin: Bloomington, Illinois  |  Style: Hazy / New England Pale Ale  |  Brewery: Lil Beaver Brewery

Production & Heritage

Lil Beaver Brewery operates out of Bloomington, Illinois, producing small-batch craft beers with a focus on hop-forward styles. Wainbows is built on a trio of American hops — Citra, Cascade, and Mosaic — a combination that delivers layered tropical and citrus character within the approachable hazy pale ale format. The hazy, unfiltered style retains suspended yeast and proteins that contribute to the beer's signature soft mouthfeel and juicy hop expression, distinguishing it from more bitter West Coast interpretations of pale ale.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with a rush of tropical fruit — mango and pineapple dominate, followed by layers of lemon, orange, and grapefruit. A subtle wild floral funk and hints of apricot emerge as the beer warms slightly in the glass.

Taste: The first sip lands soft and juicy, with pineapple juice leading the way. Mid-palate brings lemon zest and ripe mango, while the Mosaic and Cascade hops contribute a balanced pine resinousness that keeps the sweetness in check. There is no harsh bitterness here — the hazy pale ale structure delivers fruit-forward flavor with a pillowy, medium-light body.

Finish: The finish is moderate in length with lingering citrus peel and a light piney dryness. A faint floral note fades last, leaving a clean and refreshing close that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Wainbows

Pour into a tulip glass or standard pint to release the full tropical aromatics; drinking straight from the can mutes much of what makes this beer special. At 5.5% ABV, Wainbows sits in a highly sessionable range that suits extended drinking without fatigue. It works well as a Michelada base, where its citrus character amplifies lime and hot sauce. A Beer-a-Rita — blended with frozen limeade — plays off the existing tropical fruit profile. And a simple Shandy with fresh lemonade stretches the mango and lemon notes into warm-weather refreshment.

Best For

• Introducing hop-curious friends to hazy pale ales without high ABV intimidation
• Summer cookouts and backyard sessions where sessionability matters
• Supporting Illinois craft brewing with a genuinely competitive local release
• Stocking a fridge for game day with a beer that rewards repeat pours

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Wainbows taste like? Wainbows delivers a juicy, tropical profile dominated by pineapple, mango, and lemon, balanced by a moderate pine resinousness from its triple-hop blend. The mouthfeel is soft and hazy with minimal bitterness.

How does Wainbows compare to Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing? Hazy Little Thing is classified as a hazy IPA at 6.7% ABV with a broader national distribution, while Wainbows is a hazy pale ale at a lighter 5.5% ABV with a more focused Citra-Cascade-Mosaic hop bill. Wainbows tends to read more tropical and less bitter, reflecting its pale ale construction versus the IPA format.

Is Wainbows good for craft beer beginners? Yes — at 5.5% ABV with a soft, fruity character and very low bitterness, Wainbows is an accessible entry point into the hazy pale ale style. Its juice-forward profile appeals to drinkers who find traditional IPAs too aggressive.

Where is Wainbows made? Wainbows is brewed by Lil Beaver Brewery in Bloomington, Illinois, a craft brewery focused on hop-driven styles within the central Illinois brewing scene.

What foods pair well with Wainbows? Grilled fish tacos complement the citrus hop character; Thai green curry mirrors the tropical fruit notes with contrasting spice; a simple margherita pizza lets the beer's mango and lemon shine; sharp cheddar creates a pleasing sweet-savory contrast; and poke bowls with mango salsa echo the beer's dominant fruit tones.

What sizes does Wainbows come in? Wainbows is available as a four-pack, which is the standard retail format for this release.

Is Wainbows worth the price? Wainbows positions as a craft pale ale at a mid-range price tier, and its 90-point BeerAdvocate rating and consistent Untappd approval from over 6,000 reviewers suggest strong value relative to comparable hazy pale ales in the market.

Why Wainbows?

A 90-point BeerAdvocate score places Wainbows in the "Outstanding" tier — a benchmark few hazy pale ales from regional Midwest breweries achieve. The deliberate combination of Citra, Cascade, and Mosaic hops creates a layered tropical and citrus spectrum that avoids one-note juice-bomb territory while remaining immediately drinkable. At 5.5% ABV, the beer occupies a sweet spot between full-strength hazy IPAs and lighter session ales, delivering genuine hop complexity without the weight. For drinkers exploring what Illinois craft brewing produces beyond Chicago, Wainbows represents a legitimate reason to pay attention to Bloomington.