Old Nation M-43 4Pk

Old Nation M-43 4Pk is a 6.8% ABV hazy IPA from Williamston, Michigan, sold in a four-pack of 16 oz cans. Earning a remarkable 97 on BeerAdvocate and named Michigan Beer of the Year in 2018, M-43 has established itself as one of the Midwest's most acclaimed New England-style IPAs.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6.8%  |  Origin: Williamston, Michigan  |  Style: Hazy / New England-Style IPA  |  Brewery: Old Nation Brewing Co.

Production & Heritage

Old Nation Brewing Co. operates out of Williamston, Michigan, a small town east of Lansing. M-43 — named after the state highway that runs through town — is dry-hopped with a four-hop combination of Calypso, Simcoe, Citra, and Amarillo. What sets M-43 apart from most hazy IPAs is the source of its haze: rather than relying on suspended yeast, the signature cloudiness comes from an interplay of lipids in the malted oat bill and the natural oils and acids released during dry-hopping. This deliberate approach yields a more stable, consistent haze and contributes directly to the beer's unusually soft texture.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with a huge yet surprisingly delicate wave of tropical fruit — ripe pineapple and mango dominate, followed by bitter grapefruit and resinous hop oils. Despite its intensity, the aroma stays balanced and inviting rather than aggressive.

Taste: The first sip delivers a pillowy, almost creamy mouthfeel that immediately distinguishes M-43 from sharper West Coast-style IPAs. Mango and pineapple burst across the mid-palate with bright, juicy sweetness, while grapefruit bitterness remains surprisingly restrained. The hop flavor reads as fruit-forward rather than piney or dank, keeping the overall impression clean and drinkable.

Finish: The finish is smooth and moderate in length, with lingering tropical fruit and a soft citrus fade. There is virtually no astringent or harsh hop bite, making it remarkably easy to reach for a second pour.

How to Drink M-43

M-43 is best enjoyed fresh and cold — pour it into a tulip glass or Teku to release the full aromatic profile, or drink it straight from the can for a more casual session. A slight chill (around 40–45°F) keeps the haze intact and the tropical notes vibrant. While M-43 is primarily a standalone sipper, its juicy character works well in a Hop Shandy blended with fresh lemonade on hot days, a Michelada where the tropical hops complement lime and hot sauce, or a Beer-a-Rita where M-43's mango and pineapple notes stand in naturally for fruit additions.

Best For

• Converting hop-shy drinkers with an approachable, low-bitterness hazy IPA
• Tailgates, cookouts, and warm-weather weekend sessions
• Gifting to a craft beer enthusiast exploring top-rated Midwest breweries
• Side-by-side tastings comparing New England-style IPAs from different regions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does M-43 taste like? M-43 delivers bold mango, pineapple, and grapefruit flavors with a soft, pillowy mouthfeel and surprisingly little bitterness for an IPA. The overall impression is juicy, tropical, and extremely drinkable at 6.8% ABV.

How does M-43 compare to Heady Topper by The Alchemist? Both are landmark New England-style IPAs, but M-43 leans more overtly tropical with mango and pineapple, while Heady Topper tends toward a more complex, resinous hop character at a higher 8% ABV. M-43's oat-derived haze also gives it a distinctly softer, creamier texture than many Vermont-brewed hazies.

Is M-43 good for beginners? Yes — its minimal bitterness and fruit-forward profile make it one of the most approachable hazy IPAs available, and the 6.8% ABV is moderate enough for new IPA drinkers to enjoy without being overwhelmed.

Where is M-43 made? M-43 is brewed by Old Nation Brewing Co. in Williamston, Michigan, a small town located along the M-43 state highway east of Lansing. The brewery focuses on bold, hop-driven styles and has built its reputation largely on this flagship hazy IPA.

What foods pair well with M-43? Grilled fish tacos with mango salsa mirror the beer's tropical notes. Spicy Thai curry benefits from the soft mouthfeel and citrus hop character. A classic smash burger with sharp cheddar provides a savory counterpoint. Fresh ceviche echoes the lime and citrus aromatics, and coconut shrimp amplifies the tropical theme.

What sizes does M-43 come in? M-43 is widely available in four-packs of 16 oz cans, the standard format for premium craft hazy IPAs.

Is M-43 worth the price? M-43 positions as a premium craft IPA, and its 97 BeerAdvocate score and Michigan Beer of the Year recognition place it among the highest-regarded beers in its style — strong justification for the modest premium over mass-market IPAs.

Why M-43?

A 97 on BeerAdvocate puts M-43 in rarefied company among American hazy IPAs, and that score is backed by over 1,300 ratings — not a small-sample anomaly. The oat-lipid haze technique is a genuine production differentiator that delivers tangible results in the glass: a creamier body and more stable presentation than yeast-hazed competitors. For drinkers outside New England who want a world-class hazy IPA without chasing limited Vermont or Massachusetts releases, M-43 represents one of the most accessible and consistently excellent options in the country.