Phase Three Four 4Pk

Phase Three Four 4Pk is a triple dry-hopped hazy triple IPA from Phase Three Brewing Company in Lake Zurich, Illinois, packaged as a 4-pack at 10% ABV. Rated 4.2 out of 5 on Untappd across more than 1,000 reviews, Four showcases the brewery's reputation for producing some of the most sought-after hazy IPAs in the Midwest.

Quick Facts: ABV: 10%  |  Origin: Lake Zurich, Illinois  |  Style: Triple New England / Hazy IPA  |  Brewery: Phase Three Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Phase Three Brewing Company has built a dedicated following through small-batch releases that prioritize freshness and hop-forward intensity. Four is triple dry-hopped with a hand-selected blend of El Dorado, Citra, Amarillo, and Mosaic hops — four varieties that lend the beer its name and a layered aromatic complexity. The triple IPA designation means a significantly higher malt bill to support the 10% ABV, while the triple dry-hopping process pushes hop oils and aromatics to their peak without excessive bitterness. Phase Three's limited-production approach means each release moves quickly, keeping the beer as fresh as possible when it reaches drinkers.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with an immediate wave of ripe tropical fruit — mango and papaya from the Citra and El Dorado — followed by sticky tangerine peel and a floral, slightly resinous quality from the Mosaic. A faint cracker-like malt sweetness anchors the hop intensity.

Taste: The entry is pillowy and full-bodied, delivering juicy citrus and stone fruit that coat the palate. Mid-palate, the Amarillo hops contribute a subtle apricot and grapefruit character, while the elevated ABV introduces a gentle warmth without tipping into harshness. Despite the 10% strength, the bitterness stays restrained, letting the hop flavors dominate rather than astringency.

Finish: Medium-long with lingering notes of ripe melon, orange zest, and a soft resinous grip. The mouthfeel remains creamy through the finish, a hallmark of well-executed New England–style brewing.

How to Drink Four

Pour Four into a tulip glass or wide-mouth goblet at around 40–45°F to let the hop aromatics fully express. This is a beer best enjoyed fresh and on its own, as the triple dry-hop profile delivers maximum impact unmediated. For a shandy-style serve, a small splash of fresh grapefruit juice can complement the citrus hop character. A michelada riff using Four with lime, hot sauce, and a salted rim plays off the tropical fruit and adds a savory contrast. For a beer cocktail approach, a "Hop Drop" — a short pour of Four floated atop a wheat beer — creates an aromatic, layered drinking experience.

Best For

• Sharing with fellow hop enthusiasts at a weekend tasting session
• Gifting to a craft beer collector who values limited-release IPAs
• Pairing alongside a backyard cookout with bold, smoky flavors
• Adding to a curated tasting flight of top-tier New England–style triple IPAs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Phase Three Four taste like? Four delivers a juicy, tropical fruit–forward profile dominated by mango, citrus, and stone fruit, supported by a pillowy, full-bodied mouthfeel and restrained bitterness despite its 10% ABV.

How does Four compare to Tree House Julius? Both are highly rated hazy IPAs, but Four is a triple IPA at 10% ABV with significantly more body and hop intensity than Julius, which sits around 6.8% ABV as a standard-strength New England IPA — Four trades Julius's sessionable drinkability for a bolder, more concentrated hop experience.

Is Four good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — the triple dry-hopping and layered hop bill make it a rewarding standalone pour, though the 10% ABV warrants a slower pace than a typical session IPA.

Where is Phase Three Four made? Four is brewed by Phase Three Brewing Company in Lake Zurich, Illinois, a suburb northwest of Chicago that has become a destination for craft beer enthusiasts seeking the brewery's limited releases.

What foods pair well with Four? Spicy Thai green curry mirrors the tropical hop notes while the beer's body tempers the heat. Grilled fish tacos with mango salsa echo the citrus and stone fruit character. Sharp aged cheddar provides a savory counterpoint to the hop sweetness. Smoked brisket stands up to the beer's intensity and ABV. Coconut-based desserts like a panna cotta complement the creamy mouthfeel.

What sizes does Four come in? Phase Three Four is available as a 4-pack of cans, which is the standard format for the brewery's limited IPA releases.

Is Four worth the price? Four positions as a premium craft release within the triple IPA category, and its small-batch production, high-quality hop selection, and strong community ratings place it among the upper tier of hazy triple IPAs — serious hop fans generally consider it well justified for the style.

Why Four?

Phase Three Four earns its reputation through a combination of deliberate hop selection and restrained production volume. The four-hop bill — El Dorado, Citra, Amarillo, and Mosaic — is a proven combination, but the triple dry-hopping technique and triple IPA format push the aromatic and flavor intensity beyond what most breweries attempt. With a 4.2 rating on Untappd from over a thousand reviews, it consistently ranks among Phase Three's most praised releases. For drinkers who seek a hazy IPA that delivers maximum hop saturation without sacrificing balance, Four makes a compelling case at the top of the style.