Phase Three Chicago Sunshine 4PK

Phase Three Chicago Sunshine 4PK is a Hazy IPA from Phase Three Brewing Company packaged in a 4-pack of 16oz cans at 6.7% ABV. Brewed in Lake Zurich, Illinois, this release showcases the brewery's reputation for producing intensely juicy, hop-saturated ales that have earned a devoted following across the Midwest and beyond.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6.7%  |  Origin: Lake Zurich, Illinois, USA  |  Style: Hazy IPA  |  Brewery: Phase Three Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Phase Three Brewing Company was founded in 2019 in Lake Zurich, a northwest suburb of Chicago, and quickly became one of Illinois' most talked-about craft breweries. The brewery built its reputation on heavily hopped, turbid New England–style IPAs and rich pastry stouts, generating significant demand through limited on-site releases. Chicago Sunshine follows the brewery's approach to hazy IPAs — emphasizing late-addition and dry-hop techniques designed to maximize aromatic intensity and soft, pillowy mouthfeel while keeping bitterness restrained.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe tropical fruit leads — mango, pineapple, and papaya — followed by softer citrus notes of tangerine and grapefruit pith. A light floral quality and faint doughy sweetness round out the nose.

Taste: The entry is immediately juicy, with waves of mango pulp and orange juice flooding the palate. Mid-palate, stone fruit and a subtle resinous pine note add depth, while the grain bill provides a smooth, oat-driven creaminess that cushions the hop intensity. Bitterness remains low and well-integrated throughout.

Finish: Medium in length with a gentle, pillowy fade. Lingering notes of citrus zest and tropical fruit skin leave the palate clean and refreshed.

How to Drink Chicago Sunshine

This Hazy IPA is best enjoyed fresh and cold, poured directly into a tulip glass or wide-mouthed pint to release the full aromatic payload. It drinks well on its own without any additions. For cocktail-curious drinkers: a Hop Shandy works well by combining it with fresh lemonade for a bright summer sipper; a Michelada riff using this beer adds tropical depth alongside the traditional lime and hot sauce; and a Beer-mosa pairing it with fresh-squeezed orange juice plays naturally into the citrus-forward hop profile.

Best For

• Weekend cookouts and backyard grilling sessions
• Sharing with craft beer enthusiasts who appreciate limited-release hazy IPAs
• Casual tastings comparing top-tier Midwest hazy IPAs
• Warm-weather drinking when you want something juicy and refreshing

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Chicago Sunshine taste like? Chicago Sunshine delivers a juicy, tropical-forward flavor profile dominated by mango, pineapple, and citrus, with a soft, creamy body and low bitterness characteristic of well-made hazy IPAs.

How does Chicago Sunshine compare to Other Half Green City? Both are highly regarded hazy IPAs with lush tropical profiles, but Chicago Sunshine leans into a slightly creamier, softer mouthfeel reflective of Phase Three's Midwest brewing style, while Other Half's offerings often carry a touch more resinous hop bite.

Is Chicago Sunshine good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — this hazy IPA is designed to drink smoothly without food or mixers, and its low bitterness and juicy fruit character make it approachable for both seasoned hop fans and those newer to the style.

Where is Chicago Sunshine made? Chicago Sunshine is brewed by Phase Three Brewing Company in Lake Zurich, Illinois, located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. The brewery has operated since 2019 and focuses on hazy IPAs and pastry stouts.

What foods pair well with Chicago Sunshine? Grilled shrimp tacos with mango salsa mirror the beer's tropical notes; a sharp cheddar or Gruyère provides savory contrast to the fruit-forward hops; spicy Thai green curry is tempered by the creamy body; fish and chips benefit from the citrus cut; and a fresh Caprese salad complements the soft, balanced finish.

What sizes does Chicago Sunshine come in? Phase Three Chicago Sunshine is available in a 4-pack of 16oz cans, which is the standard format for this release.

Is Chicago Sunshine worth the price? Phase Three positions its releases in the premium craft tier, reflecting small-batch production, generous hop usage, and limited distribution. For fans of top-shelf hazy IPAs, the quality and freshness justify the investment within its category.

Why Chicago Sunshine?

Phase Three Brewing has emerged as one of the most in-demand craft breweries in Illinois since its 2019 launch, and Chicago Sunshine represents the style the brewery built its name on: a lush, tropically charged hazy IPA with a pillowy texture and clean finish. The brewery's commitment to heavy dry-hopping and soft water profiles results in a beer where hop flavor and aroma take center stage without harsh bitterness. At 6.7% ABV, it sits in a sessionable-enough range to enjoy across a full 4-pack without fatigue. For drinkers seeking a premier Midwest hazy IPA with genuine craft credibility, this release delivers substance behind the hype.