Phase Three Unused PTO 4Pk

Phase Three Unused PTO 4Pk is a double dry-hopped hazy Double IPA from Phase Three Brewing Company in Lake Zurich, Illinois, at 8% ABV. This imperial New England-style IPA leans into a triple-hop bill of Mosaic, Vic Secret, and Strata, producing a lush tropical profile that has earned a 4.1 out of 5 rating on Untappd across over 310 reviews.

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

Production & Heritage

Phase Three Brewing Company operates out of Lake Zurich, Illinois, and has built a devoted following among hazy IPA enthusiasts for its rotating lineup of hop-forward releases. Unused PTO is double dry-hopped with Mosaic, Vic Secret, and Strata — a combination that emphasizes the interplay between stone fruit, tropical citrus, and dank resinous character. The brew targets the pillowy, full-bodied mouthfeel characteristic of the New England DIPA style, with Vic Secret and Strata carrying much of the aromatic complexity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Pronounced orange citrus and pineapple hit first, followed by waves of white grape and ripe tropical fruit. The Strata hops contribute a subtle dank, passionfruit-tinged layer underneath the brighter top notes.

Taste: The entry is soft and juicy, with grapefruit rind and zesty pineapple leading into a mid-palate of guava and ripe mixed berries. The body is ultra-fluffy and full, maintaining the haze-forward texture expected of the style, while a noticeable citrus bite keeps sweetness in check.

Finish: Medium-length with a dry, zesty edge and lingering guava rind bitterness. Orange peel and a faint resinous hop character persist after the swallow.

How to Drink Unused PTO

Pour into a tulip glass or Teku at around 40–45°F to let the aromatic complexity fully open up; this beer rewards a slightly warmer pour than a typical lager. While Unused PTO is best enjoyed fresh and on its own, it also works in hop-forward beer cocktails: a Beermosa with fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice to amplify the citrus character; a Hop Shandy blended with house-made guava lemonade for a summer serve; or a Michelada variation with lime, tajín, and a splash of pineapple juice to play off the tropical hop profile.

Best For

• Sharing among hazy IPA enthusiasts at a weekend cookout
• Gifting to a craft beer collector who follows limited brewery releases
• Pairing with spicy tacos or grilled seafood at a casual dinner
• Adding to a curated tasting flight of hop-forward Double IPAs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Unused PTO taste like? Unused PTO delivers a juicy, tropical-forward flavor dominated by grapefruit rind, zesty pineapple, and guava, all riding on a pillowy, haze-heavy body with a dry, biting finish.

How does Unused PTO compare to other Phase Three hazy DIPAs? Phase Three rotates its hop combinations across releases, and Unused PTO distinguishes itself through its specific use of Vic Secret and Strata alongside Mosaic — a trio that leans more toward stone fruit and dank tropical notes than some of the brewery's more purely citrus-driven offerings.

Is Unused PTO good for beginners? At 8% ABV with a soft, fruity profile and minimal harsh bitterness, it is approachable for anyone comfortable with craft beer, though the imperial strength and intense hop flavor are best appreciated by drinkers already familiar with the hazy IPA style.

Where is Unused PTO made? Unused PTO 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 in the Midwest.

What foods pair well with Unused PTO? Spicy fish tacos complement the tropical hop character; a sharp cheddar or aged gouda stands up to the beer's body; grilled shrimp skewers echo its citrus notes; Thai green curry mirrors the tropical and herbal aromatics; and a fresh mango salsa appetizer amplifies the fruit-forward theme.

What sizes does Unused PTO come in? Unused PTO is available in a 4-pack of cans, the standard format for Phase Three's limited hazy IPA releases.

Is Unused PTO worth the price? Unused PTO positions as a premium craft DIPA from a sought-after Midwestern brewery with limited distribution, placing it in the upper tier of hazy Double IPAs — a fair value for drinkers who prioritize fresh, small-batch hop-forward beer.

Why Unused PTO?

The strength of this release lies in its hop selection. Vic Secret — an Australian variety prized for its pineapple and pine resin qualities — and Strata, known for passionfruit and cannabis-like dankness, combine with the reliable tropical backbone of Mosaic to create a layered, aromatic DIPA that rewards attention. Phase Three's reputation in the Midwest hazy scene is built on exactly this kind of deliberate, rotating hop exploration, and a 4.1 Untappd rating across hundreds of reviews suggests Unused PTO delivers on that promise. For anyone tracking the best contemporary Double New England IPAs coming out of Illinois, this is a release worth drinking fresh.