Phase Three Cherry Apple Ale 4Pk

Phase Three Cherry Apple Ale 4Pk is a fruit-forward blonde ale brewed with cherry and apple, packaged as a four-pack at 5.7% ABV. Produced in small batches by Phase Three Brewing Company in Lake Zurich, Illinois, this seasonal release carries a solid 3.8 out of 5 rating on Untappd across more than 870 reviews.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.7%  |  Origin: Lake Zurich, Illinois  |  Style: Fruit & Field Beer / Blonde Ale  |  Brewery: Phase Three Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Phase Three Brewing Company operates out of Lake Zurich, Illinois, with a philosophy rooted in small-batch production that prioritizes quality and limits distribution. The Cherry Apple Ale falls into their lineup of approachable, fruit-driven releases — a departure from the brewery's acclaimed hazy IPAs and stouts. Built on a blonde ale base, this beer integrates cherry and apple additions to achieve its distinctive fruit character and brilliant red hue.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh-cut apple leads, followed by a wave of tart cherry. A light bready malt sweetness lingers underneath the fruit.

Taste: The entry is crisp and apple-forward, moving quickly into a tart cherry mid-palate that balances the residual malt sweetness. The fruit flavors stay clean and distinct rather than jammy, keeping the beer light on its feet.

Finish: Dry and refreshing with a short, snappy close. A subtle tartness from the cherry carries through, inviting the next sip without lingering heaviness.

How to Drink Cherry Apple Ale

Serve cold, around 40–45°F, straight from the can or in a tulip glass to concentrate the fruit aromatics. This ale also works well as a base for beer cocktails: try it in a Shandy mixed with fresh lemonade for extra citrus brightness; in a Snakebite layered with dry cider to amplify the apple notes; or in a Berliner Radler-style blend with sparkling water and a squeeze of lime for a low-ABV warm-weather refresher.

Best For

• Introducing craft beer newcomers to fruit-forward styles
• Autumn gatherings where the season-appropriate cherry-apple profile fits the mood
• Pairing alongside a weekend brunch spread
• Sharing with friends who typically reach for cider over beer

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cherry Apple Ale taste like? It delivers crisp apple on the front end and tart cherry through the middle, finishing dry and refreshing with a clean fruit character rather than artificial sweetness.

How does Cherry Apple Ale compare to Phase Three Bushel? Phase Three has described both Cherry Apple Ale and Bushel as their "super friendly choices," positioning them as approachable, easy-drinking fruit ales within the broader lineup that includes more intensely flavored IPAs and stouts.

Is Cherry Apple Ale good for beginners? Yes — at 5.7% ABV with prominent, familiar fruit flavors and a light body, it serves as an excellent gateway into craft fruit ales for those new to the style.

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

What foods pair well with Cherry Apple Ale? Roasted pork tenderloin benefits from the apple-cherry contrast; sharp cheddar cheese echoes the ale's tartness; mixed green salads with vinaigrette match its acidity; smoked turkey sandwiches gain a fruity counterpoint; and apple crumble desserts create a harmonious seasonal pairing.

What sizes does Cherry Apple Ale come in? It is available as a four-pack of cans, which is the standard format for this release.

Is Cherry Apple Ale worth the price? It positions as a small-batch craft fruit ale from a well-regarded Illinois brewery, placing it in the premium craft tier where limited availability and quality fruit additions justify the cost relative to mass-market alternatives.

Why Cherry Apple Ale?

Phase Three has built a reputation on small-batch releases that sell through quickly, and the Cherry Apple Ale reflects that scarcity-driven approach applied to a more sessionable style. The 5.7% ABV keeps it in easy-drinking territory while the cherry and apple additions deliver genuine fruit complexity, not the cloying sweetness common in lesser fruit beers. With an Untappd rating of 3.8 across more than 870 reviews, it has earned consistent approval from a broad range of drinkers. For anyone seeking a well-executed fruit ale from one of Illinois' most sought-after small breweries, this four-pack delivers.