Phase Three Affy Tapple 4Pk

Phase Three Affy Tapple 4Pk is a 6.0% ABV golden ale brewed with real Affy Tapple caramel, apple juice, and peanuts, sold as a four-pack of cans. Also known as "A Bushel of Apples," this collaboration between Phase Three Brewing Company and Affy Tapple, LLC recreates the nostalgic flavor of the iconic caramel apple treat in liquid form, earning a 3.8 out of 5 rating on Untappd across more than 8,000 reviews.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6.0%  |  Origin: Lake Zurich, Illinois  |  Style: Golden Ale with Adjuncts  |  Brewery: Phase Three Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Phase Three Brewing Company operates out of Lake Zurich, Illinois, and has built a reputation for inventive, flavor-forward releases that push beyond conventional style boundaries. For this expression, the brewers started with a traditional blonde ale base and incorporated apple juice, roasted peanuts, and actual Affy Tapple caramel — sourced directly from the original caramel apple company. The use of genuine Affy Tapple caramel rather than artificial flavoring or a generic caramel addition is the defining production choice, grounding the beer in an authentic collaboration rather than a loosely inspired tribute.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Roasted peanuts arrive first and dominate the initial nose, quickly joined by fresh apple and a warm undercurrent of buttery caramel. The overall impression is remarkably close to unwrapping an actual Affy Tapple caramel apple.

Taste: Tart, crisp apple hits the palate on entry, establishing a fruity brightness that keeps the beer from veering into cloying territory. The mid-palate shifts to smooth caramel sweetness, with roasted peanut flavor weaving through and adding a subtle savory counterpoint. The blonde ale base keeps the body light enough that the adjunct flavors integrate without becoming heavy.

Finish: The finish is clean and moderately short, with a gentle tangy apple note trailing off alongside residual caramel sweetness. There is no lingering bitterness — the beer wraps up crisp and refreshing.

How to Drink Affy Tapple

Serve this golden ale cold, ideally between 38–45°F, poured into a tulip glass or enjoyed straight from the can. Its light body and sweet-tart profile make it a standalone sipper, but it also works well in creative beer cocktail territory. A Beer-mosa — substituting this for a standard wheat beer alongside fresh apple cider — leans into its fruity character. A Snakebite variation, blending it half-and-half with dry cider, amplifies the apple notes while adding effervescence. For something unconventional, use it as the beer component in a Caramel Shandy with lemonade and a salted caramel rim, playing off the peanut and caramel flavors already present.

Best For

• Fall seasonal gatherings and Halloween parties where the caramel apple theme fits the mood
• Gifting to craft beer fans who enjoy dessert-inspired or nostalgia-driven releases
• Introducing non-craft-beer drinkers to adventurous styles through a familiar, approachable flavor
• Pairing alongside autumn charcuterie boards or harvest dinners

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Affy Tapple taste like? It tastes like biting into a caramel apple rolled in peanuts — tart apple up front, smooth caramel through the middle, and a light roasted peanut undertone throughout, all carried on a clean, light-bodied golden ale base.

How does Affy Tapple compare to other dessert-style ales? Unlike many pastry ales that rely on heavy lactose or high ABVs to deliver sweetness, Phase Three's Affy Tapple uses a restrained 6.0% ABV blonde ale base, keeping the body light and drinkable while still delivering pronounced flavor. The use of real Affy Tapple caramel as an ingredient rather than artificial flavoring also distinguishes it from most dessert-inspired craft beers.

Is Affy Tapple good for beginners? Yes — at 6.0% ABV with a smooth, sweet flavor profile and very low bitterness, it is one of the more approachable craft ales available, particularly for drinkers who enjoy fruit-forward or dessert-style beverages.

Where is Affy Tapple made? It is brewed by Phase Three Brewing Company in Lake Zurich, Illinois, a suburb northwest of Chicago known for its growing craft brewing scene.

What foods pair well with Affy Tapple? Sharp cheddar cheese balances the beer's caramel sweetness with savory tang. Roasted pork with an apple glaze echoes and reinforces the apple and caramel notes. Pecan pie mirrors the nutty, sweet character of the beer. A simple charcuterie plate with dried fruit, nuts, and soft brie creates complementary contrasts. Cinnamon sugar donuts lean into the autumnal dessert profile.

What sizes does Affy Tapple come in? It is available as a four-pack of cans from Phase Three Brewing Company.

Is Affy Tapple worth the price? It positions as a specialty craft release from a well-regarded Illinois brewery, sitting in the premium tier for adjunct golden ales. The authentic Affy Tapple collaboration and the novelty of its flavor profile justify the premium over standard golden ales for drinkers seeking something distinctive and seasonal.

Why Affy Tapple?

What separates this release from the crowded field of dessert-adjacent craft beers is the direct collaboration with Affy Tapple, LLC — the actual caramel apple company — and the use of their real caramel in the brewing process. That authenticity translates to a flavor that genuinely replicates the original treat rather than approximating it. At 6.0% ABV on a blonde ale base, it avoids the syrupy heaviness that plagues many pastry-style releases, staying sessionable and refreshing. For drinkers who value both nostalgia and drinkability, this is a rare beer that delivers on its concept without sacrificing the fundamentals of a well-made ale.