Phase Three Stay Free 4Pk

Phase Three Stay Free 4Pk is a terpene-infused Double IPA from Lake Zurich, Illinois, packaged as a 4-pack at 7.7% ABV. What makes Stay Free genuinely unusual in the crowded DIPA landscape is the addition of non-hemp-derived terpenes—specifically San Fernando Valley OG terpenes—that amplify the aromatic complexity well beyond standard hop additions.

Quick Facts: ABV: 7.7%  |  Origin: Lake Zurich, Illinois, USA  |  Style: Imperial / Double IPA  |  Brewery: Phase Three Brewing

Production & Heritage

Phase Three Brewing operates out of Lake Zurich, Illinois, running a 3-vessel, 15-barrel steam-powered brewhouse with reverse osmosis water processing—a system that gives brewers precise control over mineral content and, by extension, hop expression. Stay Free builds on a crisp, old-school IPA base, then introduces San Fernando Valley OG non-hemp-derived terpenes. Terpenes are the aromatic compounds responsible for the distinctive smells of plants; their inclusion here is designed to bolster and layer the hop character rather than mask it, bridging the gap between traditional West Coast bitterness and modern aromatic experimentation.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Wet grass and resinous pine dominate the initial nose, followed by a wave of pungent C-hop character. The terpene addition introduces an herbal, almost botanical undertone that sits behind the hops.

Taste: The entry is clean and golden, with zesty citrus arriving at mid-palate—bright and almost sunny against the malt backdrop. Pine takes over as the beer opens up, delivering flavors reminiscent of hiking through Pacific Northwest forests. A pronounced, pungent hop bitterness builds steadily toward the peak.

Finish: Very dry, with lingering resinous pine and a faint citrus echo. The dryness keeps the finish crisp and encourages the next sip rather than coating the palate.

How to Drink Stay Free

Stay Free is best enjoyed cold, poured into a tulip glass or IPA glass to concentrate its aromatic terpene and hop layers. Drinking it fresh is essential—hop-forward beers like this lose vibrancy over time, so don't cellar it.

• IPA Shandy: Mix with fresh lemonade to amplify the citrus notes while taming the dryness on a hot day.
• Hop Drop: Float a half-ounce of Stay Free atop a lighter lager for a layered bitterness experience that showcases the terpene aromatics.
• Michelada Riff: The bold pine and citrus stand up to lime, hot sauce, and Worcestershire for a savory, hop-forward twist on the classic.

Best For

• Hop enthusiasts seeking something beyond standard Double IPA territory
• Sharing with friends who appreciate experimental brewing techniques
• Pairing with a backyard cookout featuring bold, smoky flavors
• Gifting to a craft beer collector who values limited and unusual releases

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Stay Free taste like? Stay Free delivers prominent pine and citrus hop flavors with a very dry finish, set against a clean golden malt base. The terpene addition lends an herbal, almost botanical aromatic complexity that distinguishes it from typical Double IPAs.

How does Stay Free compare to Pliny the Elder? Both are West Coast-leaning Double IPAs, but Stay Free differentiates itself through the addition of non-hemp-derived terpenes, which add an herbal aromatic layer absent in Pliny's more straightforward hop profile. Pliny is also slightly higher in ABV at 8% compared to Stay Free's 7.7%.

Is Stay Free good for sipping on its own? Yes—the dry finish and layered pine and citrus aromatics make it highly drinkable straight from the glass, especially when served cold in proper glassware that showcases the terpene-enhanced nose.

Where is Stay Free made? Stay Free is brewed by Phase Three Brewing at their facility at 932 Donata Court in Lake Zurich, Illinois, using a 15-barrel steam-powered brewhouse with reverse osmosis water processing.

What foods pair well with Stay Free? Grilled burgers with sharp cheddar work well, as the bitterness cuts through the richness. Spicy Thai green curry complements the herbal terpene notes. Fish tacos with lime crema echo the citrus character. Aged gouda provides a nutty counterpoint to the pine resin. Pepperoni pizza stands up to the hop intensity without overpowering the beer.

What sizes does Stay Free come in? Stay Free is available as a 4-pack of cans, which is the standard format offered by Phase Three Brewing for this release.

Is Stay Free worth the price? Stay Free positions in the premium craft DIPA tier, and the use of non-hemp-derived terpenes represents a genuinely uncommon production step that justifies its placement above everyday IPAs in terms of value and novelty.

Why Stay Free?

The defining feature here is the San Fernando Valley OG terpene addition—a production choice that very few breweries attempt and even fewer execute against a traditional IPA backbone. Rather than chasing the hazy, juicy trend, Phase Three built Stay Free on a crisp, old-school base and used terpenes to expand its aromatic vocabulary in a direction hops alone cannot reach. The result is a Double IPA that appeals to drinkers who know the style inside out and want something that challenges their expectations. For anyone fatigued by the sameness in the DIPA category, Stay Free represents a genuinely different path forward.