Pipeworks Afternoon in Venice 4Pk

Pipeworks Afternoon in Venice 4Pk is a Bellini-inspired cryo hopped pale ale brewed with peach and grape at 5.6% ABV, sold in a 4-pack of cans. Produced by Chicago's Pipeworks Brewing Company, this sessionable pale ale uses cryogenically processed hops to deliver an unusually vivid fruit-forward character rarely achieved at such a restrained strength.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.6%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Bellini-Inspired Cryo Hopped Pale Ale  |  Brewery: Pipeworks Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Pipeworks Brewing Company was founded in 2012 in Chicago by Beejay Oslon and Gerrit Lewis, quickly earning a reputation for inventive, boundary-pushing beers. Afternoon in Venice draws its inspiration from the classic Bellini cocktail, incorporating peach and grape into the grain bill alongside cryo hops — hops that are cryogenically frozen in a nitrogen-rich environment immediately after harvest. This process preserves delicate hop oils and aromatics that conventional processing can diminish, resulting in a purer, more intense expression of hop character that melds seamlessly with the stone fruit and grape additions.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with bright peach and floral hop notes, followed by a layer of earthy, herbal character. Subtle hints of lemondrop and ripe grape round out a hugely fresh aromatic profile.

Taste: The entry is juicy and immediately fruit-forward, with ripe peach dominating the front palate. At mid-palate, grainy malt and a light peppercorn spice emerge, balanced by vibrant citrus that recalls lemon candy. The grape addition surfaces toward the peak, adding a vinous sweetness that ties back to the Bellini concept without veering into cloying territory.

Finish: Clean, crisp, and surprisingly dry for such a fruity beer, with lingering floral and citrus notes. The finish is short to medium in length, encouraging another sip and reinforcing the beer's sessionable nature.

How to Drink Afternoon in Venice

Afternoon in Venice is best served cold, ideally between 40–45°F, poured into a tulip glass or enjoyed straight from the can. Its Bellini inspiration makes it a natural stand-in for cocktail occasions, though it shines on its own. For a Peach Shandy, mix it with fresh lemonade to amplify the citrus and stone fruit. A Beermosa pairs it with a splash of sparkling wine to lean further into the Bellini concept. In a Radler variation with grapefruit soda, the cryo hop bitterness and peach notes create a layered, refreshing summer drink.

Best For

• Warm-weather patio sessions where something light but flavorful is needed
• Introducing craft beer newcomers to fruit-forward pale ales
• Pairing alongside a weekend brunch spread
• Gifting to a craft beer fan who appreciates inventive brewing

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Afternoon in Venice taste like? It tastes like a juicy, peach-forward pale ale with floral hop aromatics, bright citrus reminiscent of lemon candy, and a light peppery spice. The grape addition lends a subtle vinous sweetness that echoes its Bellini cocktail inspiration.

How does Afternoon in Venice compare to a standard American pale ale? A traditional American pale ale typically centers on piney or citrus hop bitterness over a malt backbone, whereas Afternoon in Venice foregrounds peach and grape fruit additions alongside cryo hops for a much juicier, more aromatic profile. At 5.6% ABV, both occupy a similar strength range, but the Bellini-inspired concept places this squarely in fruit-forward territory.

Is Afternoon in Venice good for craft beer beginners? Yes — its 5.6% ABV keeps it sessionable, and the prominent peach and grape flavors make it highly approachable for drinkers who find hoppy beers too bitter. The clean, crisp finish avoids the heaviness that can put off newcomers.

Where is Afternoon in Venice made? Afternoon in Venice is brewed by Pipeworks Brewing Company in Chicago, Illinois. Pipeworks was founded in 2012 and has become one of Chicago's most recognized craft breweries for its creative, small-batch releases.

What foods pair well with Afternoon in Venice? Prosciutto and melon salad mirrors the beer's stone fruit character. Light goat cheese or burrata complements the floral, creamy notes. Grilled shrimp with citrus vinaigrette echoes the lemondrop brightness. A charcuterie board with soft cheeses and fresh fruit aligns with the Bellini theme. Lemon tart or peach cobbler extends the fruit-forward profile into dessert.

What sizes does Afternoon in Venice come in? Afternoon in Venice is available as a 4-pack of cans, which is the standard retail format from Pipeworks Brewing Company.

Is Afternoon in Venice worth the price? Afternoon in Venice positions as a mid-range craft 4-pack, reflecting the added cost of cryo hop processing and real fruit additions. For drinkers seeking a sessionable yet flavor-dense pale ale with a creative concept, it delivers strong value within the specialty craft segment.

Why Afternoon in Venice?

The use of cryogenically processed hops is the defining production choice here — by freezing hops immediately post-harvest in nitrogen, Pipeworks captures a purity of hop oil and aroma that standard pellet or whole-leaf hops simply cannot match at this intensity. Layered with real peach and grape, the result is a pale ale that genuinely evokes the Bellini cocktail it references, not just in name but in drinking experience. At 5.6% ABV, it occupies a rare sweet spot: flavorful enough to hold attention, light enough to drink through an afternoon. For anyone who finds most fruit-adjunct beers too sweet or too gimmicky, Afternoon in Venice demonstrates how thoughtful ingredient sourcing and restrained brewing can produce something genuinely balanced and original.