Phase Three Cross Pollination 4Pk

Phase Three Cross Pollination 4Pk is a hazy double IPA brewed at 8% ABV, blending double dry-hopped Citra with orange blossom honey in collaboration with Standard Meadery. This hybrid creation from one of America's top-rated craft breweries merges hop-forward intensity with delicate mead-inspired sweetness, earning a 4.2 out of 5 rating across more than 4,000 reviews on Untappd.

Quick Facts: ABV: 8%  |  Origin: Lake Zurich, Illinois  |  Style: Hazy Double IPA  |  Brewery: Phase Three Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Phase Three Brewing Company operates out of Lake Zurich, Illinois, and has earned recognition as one of the top 50 breweries in the country through Beer & Brewing magazine's reader-voted "Best in Beer" list. Cross Pollination was developed as a collaboration with Standard Meadery, pairing what Phase Three calls its "work-horse hop" — Citra — with Standard's signature orange blossom honey. The result is a double dry-hopped hazy double IPA that bridges the gap between modern hop-forward beer and traditional mead, layering tropical aromatics over a honeyed backbone without veering into cloying sweetness.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe tangerine and mango dominate the nose immediately, followed by a floral lift of orange blossom and white rose petals. Beneath the fruit, a gentle honeyed warmth rounds out the aromatic profile.

Taste: The entry delivers juicy grovestand orange and tropical mango nectar, hitting the palate with a soft, pillowy mouthfeel characteristic of well-executed hazy IPAs. Mid-palate, gooseberry and flowery lime notes emerge alongside a balanced kiss of orange blossom honey. The sweetness stays measured, never overwhelming the hop-driven citrus core.

Finish: A lingering citrus bloom fades into subtle floral notes and a whisper of honeycomb. The finish is medium in length, clean, and refreshingly dry given the honey addition.

How to Drink Cross Pollination

Pour into a tulip glass or stemless wine glass at around 40–45°F to fully release the aromatic complexity. This beer is best enjoyed fresh and on its own to appreciate the interplay of hops and honey. For food-adjacent drinking, it pairs naturally with a charcuterie spread — the honey and citrus cut through rich cured meats. A shandy-style build with fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice leans into the tropical character. Blending with a light wheat beer creates a sessionable radler-style drink for warm-weather afternoons.

Best For

• Gifting a craft beer enthusiast who seeks out limited collaboration releases
• Sharing with friends during a summer cookout or backyard gathering
• Exploring the intersection of hazy IPAs and mead-style brewing
• Adding a standout selection to a curated beer tasting lineup

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cross Pollination taste like? Cross Pollination delivers juicy tangerine, mango, and gooseberry flavors layered over a subtle orange blossom honey sweetness, with floral lime and white rose petal accents throughout.

How does Cross Pollination compare to other Phase Three hazy IPAs? While Phase Three's core hazy IPAs rely purely on hop-driven tropical character, Cross Pollination distinguishes itself through the addition of Standard Meadery's orange blossom honey, which introduces a floral sweetness and slightly fuller body not found in the brewery's standard releases.

Is Cross Pollination good for someone new to hazy IPAs? The honey addition softens the hop bitterness and adds an approachable sweetness, making Cross Pollination a welcoming entry point for drinkers who find standard double IPAs too aggressive.

Where is Cross Pollination made? Cross Pollination is brewed at Phase Three Brewing Company in Lake Zurich, Illinois, a suburb northwest of Chicago, in collaboration with Standard Meadery.

What foods pair well with Cross Pollination? Grilled shrimp tacos with mango salsa complement the tropical hop notes; soft-ripened cheeses like brie mirror the creamy mouthfeel; Thai green curry aligns with the citrus and floral character; honey-glazed pork belly echoes the orange blossom sweetness; and a fresh arugula salad with citrus vinaigrette provides a clean, bright contrast.

What sizes does Cross Pollination come in? Cross Pollination is available as individual cans and in four-pack configurations.

Is Cross Pollination worth the price? Cross Pollination positions as a premium craft collaboration release, and its unique beer-mead hybrid approach, limited availability, and strong community ratings support its place at the upper end of the hazy double IPA category.

Why Cross Pollination?

The collaboration between Phase Three Brewing and Standard Meadery isn't a gimmick — it's a deliberate pairing of each producer's signature ingredient. Citra hops deliver the tropical and citrus intensity that modern IPA drinkers expect, while orange blossom honey introduces a dimension of floral sweetness that sets Cross Pollination apart from the crowded hazy IPA field. Phase Three's standing among the nation's top 50 breweries, as voted by Beer & Brewing readers, lends credibility to what could otherwise be dismissed as a novelty. With over 4,000 Untappd ratings and a 4.2 average, this is a beer that has held up to broad scrutiny from a demanding audience.