Phase Three Tropical District 4Pk

Phase Three Tropical District 4Pk is a milkshake-style double IPA brewed with guava, coconut, and lactose, packaged as a 4-pack at 8.2% ABV. A collaboration between Phase Three Brewing Company and WeldWerks Brewing Co., this release earned a 93 on BeerAdvocate and holds a 4.2 out of 5 on Untappd across more than 4,500 ratings.

Quick Facts: ABV: 8.2%  |  Origin: Lake Zurich, Illinois  |  Style: Milkshake Double IPA  |  Brewery: Phase Three Brewing Company (collaboration with WeldWerks Brewing Co.)

Production & Heritage

Phase Three Brewing Company operates out of Lake Zurich, Illinois, and has earned a dedicated following for its hazy IPAs, pastry stouts, and fruited sour ales. Tropical District was brewed in collaboration with Greeley, Colorado-based WeldWerks Brewing Co., combining the strengths of two highly regarded craft operations. The beer is built on a milkshake IPA base featuring real guava puree, shredded coconut, vanilla, and lactose for body, then dry hopped generously with Mosaic and Sabro — two hop varieties known for their tropical and coconut-forward aromatics.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe guava and toasted coconut dominate the nose, layered over softer waves of papaya and orange peel. A cream-soda sweetness ties the aromatics together, giving it an almost dessert-like first impression.

Taste: The entry is lush and fruit-forward, leading with guava puree and pineapple juice. At mid-palate, coconut and vanilla create a creamy, milkshake-like richness amplified by the lactose backbone. Tangerine and subtle orange notes add brightness that keeps the sweetness from becoming cloying.

Finish: Medium in length with a soft, pillowy texture and lingering tropical fruit sweetness. The Sabro and Mosaic dry hop contributes a gentle resinous quality that balances the residual sugar on the close.

How to Drink Tropical District

Serve cold — around 40–45°F — in a tulip glass or wide-mouth pint to let the aromatic coconut and guava open up fully. This beer is best enjoyed fresh and on its own, as the complex fruit and lactose profile rewards focused sipping. For a float-style dessert serve, pour over a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream. It also pairs surprisingly well alongside a brunch spread, where its tropical sweetness complements lighter fare.

Best For

• Trading or sharing with craft beer enthusiasts who follow limited releases
• Pairing with a weekend brunch alongside lighter tropical dishes
• Gifting to a fan of hazy, fruit-forward IPAs
• Tasting side-by-side with other Phase Three or WeldWerks milkshake IPAs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Tropical District taste like? Tropical District delivers a creamy, fruit-heavy profile dominated by guava, coconut, pineapple, and vanilla, with a soft milkshake-like body from the lactose addition. The Mosaic and Sabro dry hop adds layers of tropical complexity without aggressive bitterness.

How does Tropical District compare to Hop Butcher Blazed Orange? Both beers lean into a tropical, fruit-forward milkshake IPA profile, and drinkers frequently draw comparisons between the two. Tropical District tends to emphasize guava and coconut more heavily, while Blazed Orange from Hop Butcher for the World centers on citrus-driven fruit character.

Is Tropical District good for sipping on its own? Yes — the thick, creamy body and layered tropical fruit make it extremely satisfying as a standalone sipper, especially when served cold in a proper glass that captures the aroma.

Where is Tropical District made? Tropical District is brewed at Phase Three Brewing Company in Lake Zurich, Illinois. It was produced as a collaboration with WeldWerks Brewing Co., which is based in Greeley, Colorado.

What foods pair well with Tropical District? Coconut shrimp works well, echoing the beer's coconut and tropical notes. Fish tacos with mango salsa complement its fruit-forward character. Light Thai curries with coconut milk create a harmonious pairing. Grilled pineapple or tropical fruit salads mirror the guava and citrus in the glass. Vanilla cheesecake aligns with the lactose sweetness and vanilla undertones.

What sizes does Tropical District come in? Tropical District is available as a 4-pack of cans, which is the standard release format for Phase Three's IPA offerings.

Is Tropical District worth the price? Tropical District positions as a premium limited-release craft beer, and its collaboration pedigree with WeldWerks, real fruit additions, and strong critical reception — including a 93 on BeerAdvocate — support its place in the upper tier of milkshake IPAs.

Why Tropical District?

The collaboration between Phase Three and WeldWerks brings together two breweries with proven track records in hazy, adjunct-heavy IPAs. The use of real guava puree, shredded coconut, and vanilla — rather than extract shortcuts — gives the beer a depth of fruit character that separates it from more straightforward tropical IPAs. A 93 rating on BeerAdvocate and over 4,500 Untappd ratings reflect broad approval from a discerning craft beer audience. For drinkers who gravitate toward thick, creamy, fruit-loaded IPAs, Tropical District represents a focused and well-executed take on the milkshake style.