Phase Three A Phase Called Three 4Pk

Phase Three A Phase Called Three 4Pk is a hazy Imperial IPA from Phase Three Brewing in Illinois, packaged as a 4-pack of 16oz cans at 7.5% ABV. This release exemplifies the brewery's reputation for producing some of the most sought-after hop-forward beers in the Midwest.

Quick Facts: ABV: 7.5%  |  Origin: Lake Zurich, Illinois, USA  |  Style: Imperial IPA  |  Brewery: Phase Three Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Phase Three Brewing Company was founded in 2019 in Lake Zurich, Illinois, and quickly gained a devoted following for its heavily hopped, New England–style IPAs and rich imperial stouts. A Phase Called Three follows the brewery's house approach to hazy IPAs: a soft, protein-rich grain bill built around oats and wheat, paired with aggressive dry-hopping to maximize aromatic intensity while keeping bitterness restrained. The result is a turbid, full-bodied Imperial IPA that prioritizes hop flavor and aroma over sharp bitterness.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe mango and tangerine lead the nose, followed by layers of papaya and a hint of resinous pine. A soft, doughy sweetness from the grain bill rounds out the aromatics.

Taste: The entry is pillowy and juicy, with tropical fruit — pineapple and guava — dominating the mid-palate. A restrained bitterness emerges toward the peak, balanced by a subtle oat-driven creaminess that keeps the mouthfeel plush without becoming cloying.

Finish: Medium in length with a dry, grapefruit-pith bitterness that lingers just enough to encourage the next sip. Faint notes of stone fruit and white grape persist as the hop oils slowly fade.

How to Drink A Phase Called Three

Pour into a tulip glass or stemless wine glass to concentrate hop aromatics; serve cold at around 40–45°F. This Imperial IPA is best consumed fresh to preserve the volatile hop oils responsible for its tropical character. For cocktail-curious drinkers: a Michelada variation using this beer adds a juicy hop dimension to the lime-and-hot-sauce framework; a Beer Margarita (blending with tequila, lime, and triple sec over ice) plays well off its citrus backbone; or try a simple IPA Shandy with fresh lemonade for a lower-ABV patio pour.

Best For

• Sharing with hop-obsessed friends on a weekend afternoon
• Bringing to a craft-beer bottle share or tasting event
• Pairing alongside a backyard cookout with bold, smoky foods
• Gifting to a collector who follows limited Midwest brewery releases

Frequently Asked Questions

What does A Phase Called Three taste like? It delivers a juicy, tropical hop profile dominated by mango, pineapple, and citrus, supported by a creamy, oat-forward body and soft bitterness typical of New England–style Imperial IPAs.

How does A Phase Called Three compare to Other Half's Green City series? Both breweries produce turbid, heavily dry-hopped Imperial IPAs, but Phase Three tends toward a slightly softer, creamier mouthfeel and a more restrained bitterness compared to Other Half's sometimes more resinous edge.

Is A Phase Called Three good for sipping on its own? Yes — the low perceived bitterness and juicy hop character make it highly approachable despite its Imperial IPA classification, best enjoyed fresh and cold without any additions.

Where is A Phase Called Three made? It is brewed at Phase Three Brewing Company in Lake Zurich, Illinois, a suburb northwest of Chicago known as a hub for acclaimed craft brewing.

What foods pair well with A Phase Called Three? Spicy Thai green curry mirrors its tropical notes; smoked brisket or pulled pork contrasts the hop juiciness; fish tacos with mango salsa echo the fruit-forward profile; sharp cheddar cheese provides a savory counterpoint; and buffalo wings benefit from the beer's carbonation cutting through rich, spicy sauce.

What sizes does A Phase Called Three come in? It is available as a 4-pack of 16oz cans, the standard format for Phase Three's IPA releases.

Is A Phase Called Three worth the price? Phase Three positions as a premium craft brewery with limited-distribution releases, and its IPAs are priced accordingly within the upper tier of the hazy IPA category — justified by the quality of ingredients and the brewery's strong reputation among craft beer enthusiasts.

Why A Phase Called Three?

Phase Three Brewing built its name on hop-driven beers that consistently rank among the most coveted in the Midwest, and A Phase Called Three carries that standard. The brewery's commitment to heavy dry-hopping on a pillowy, oat-and-wheat grain bill produces a textural experience that distinguishes its IPAs from sharper, more bitter West Coast interpretations. For drinkers who value aromatic intensity and a smooth, full mouthfeel over aggressive bitterness, this Imperial IPA delivers a focused expression of modern American hop brewing from one of Illinois' most respected small-batch producers.