{"product_id":"phase-three-mini-swells-4pk","title":"Phase Three Mini Swells 4PK","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhase Three Mini Swells 4PK\u003c\/strong\u003e is a hazy pale ale from Phase Three Brewing Company in Lake Zurich, Illinois, packaged in a 4-pack of 16oz cans at 4.5% ABV. As a scaled-down companion to Phase Three's acclaimed Swells series of double IPAs, Mini Swells channels the brewery's signature hop intensity into a lighter, more sessionable format without sacrificing aromatic punch.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 4.5%  |  Origin: Lake Zurich, Illinois, USA  |  Style: Hazy Pale Ale  |  Brewery: Phase Three Brewing Company\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003ePhase Three Brewing Company was founded in 2020 by Andrew Giurbino in Lake Zurich, Illinois, and rapidly earned a reputation as one of the Midwest's most sought-after craft breweries. The brewery specializes in New England–style hop-forward beers, soft-bodied stouts, and fruit-laden sours. Mini Swells follows the brewery's approach of heavy late-addition and dry hopping to maximize aromatic expression while keeping bitterness restrained — a hallmark of the hazy pale ale style. At just 4.5% ABV, this expression sits well below the brewery's bigger Swells releases, making it an approachable entry point into Phase Three's hop-centric lineup.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright tropical fruit leads the nose — expect ripe mango and pineapple followed by softer notes of tangerine zest and white peach. A faint herbal, grassy undercurrent rounds out the bouquet without overshadowing the fruit-forward character.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is pillowy and soft, with juicy tropical fruit landing immediately on the palate. Mid-palate brings a gentle citrus acidity — grapefruit pith and mandarin — that gives the beer structure without veering into sharp bitterness. A light oat-driven creaminess provides body that feels fuller than the modest ABV would suggest.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clean and dry with lingering notes of stone fruit and a whisper of resinous hop oil. The finish fades quickly, inviting another sip rather than lingering on the tongue.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Mini Swells\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDrink Mini Swells cold, ideally straight from the can or poured into a tulip glass to concentrate the aromatics. This pale ale is built for warm-weather drinking and casual sessions. Its low ABV and tropical profile also make it a surprisingly effective beer for pairing alongside food — try it with fish tacos, grilled shrimp, or spicy Thai dishes where the soft body and fruit character complement bold flavors without competing.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eBackyard cookouts and warm-weather sessions where high ABV beers wear you down\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing craft beer drinkers to Phase Three's hop-forward house style\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003ePairing alongside spicy or citrus-driven foods\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eStocking a weekend cooler with a flavorful but sessionable option\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Mini Swells taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Mini Swells delivers juicy tropical fruit — mango, pineapple, and tangerine — wrapped in a soft, creamy body with minimal bitterness. It drinks like a full-flavored hazy IPA but at a fraction of the alcohol.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Mini Swells compare to Phase Three's Double Swells?\u003c\/strong\u003e Double Swells is a much bigger beer, typically clocking in at 8% ABV or higher with a denser, more intense hop profile. Mini Swells uses a similar hopping philosophy but in a 4.5% ABV pale ale format that prioritizes drinkability over power.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Mini Swells good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — the low bitterness, approachable 4.5% ABV, and fruit-forward flavor profile make Mini Swells an excellent starting point for anyone exploring hazy hop-forward beers.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Mini Swells made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Mini Swells is brewed at Phase Three Brewing Company in Lake Zurich, Illinois, a suburb northwest of Chicago. The brewery has operated since 2020 and distributes primarily in the greater Chicagoland area.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Mini Swells?\u003c\/strong\u003e Fish tacos work well because the beer's citrus notes mirror a lime squeeze; grilled shrimp benefits from the tropical fruit contrast; Thai green curry finds balance in the soft mouthfeel; fresh ceviche shares the beer's bright acidity; and a simple margherita pizza lets the hop aromatics shine alongside basil and tomato.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Mini Swells come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Mini Swells is available in a 4-pack of 16oz cans, the standard format for Phase Three's hop-forward releases.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Mini Swells worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Mini Swells positions as a premium craft pale ale from a highly regarded small-batch brewery. Phase Three's limited distribution and strong demand in the hazy beer community place it above mass-market pale ales in perceived value, and the quality of the hop expression supports that positioning.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Mini Swells?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003ePhase Three has built its reputation on maximizing hop flavor in every format, and Mini Swells proves that low-ABV beers don't have to sacrifice complexity. The 4.5% ABV sits in a sweet spot — enough malt backbone to support the generous hopping but light enough to drink through a long afternoon without fatigue. For fans of the Swells series who want the tropical, pillowy character in a more restrained package, Mini Swells fills that gap precisely. In a craft landscape crowded with session IPAs that often taste watered down, this pale ale delivers genuine depth from a brewery that has earned its place among the Midwest's most respected.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Phase Three","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47422114660521,"sku":"42591","price":11.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/phase-three-phase-three-mini-swells-4pk-bottle.webp?v=1788628125","url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/products\/phase-three-mini-swells-4pk","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}