Pipeworks Diamond Hands 4Pk

Pipeworks Diamond Hands 4Pk is a 6.5% ABV hazy pale ale from Pipeworks Brewing Company in Chicago, sold as a four-pack of 16oz cans. Built on a foundation of oat malt and triple-hopped with Citra, Mosaic, and Cryo Mosaic, this beer is distinguished by what the brewery calls an "incredibly resilient" hop aroma that persists from first pour to last sip.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6.5%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Hazy Pale Ale  |  Brewery: Pipeworks Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Pipeworks Brewing Company launched in Chicago in 2012 and immediately earned RateBeer's "Best New Brewery" distinction that same year. Diamond Hands uses a grain bill anchored by oat malt, which contributes the silky, full body characteristic of modern hazy ales. The hop schedule combines conventional Citra and Mosaic pellets with Cryo Mosaic — a concentrated lupulin powder that delivers amplified aromatics with reduced vegetal harshness, helping explain the beer's persistent, layered hop character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Tropical fruit leads immediately, with ripe tangerine and cantaloupe rising first, followed by a wave of jasmine and stone fruit. The hop aroma is remarkably sustained, holding its intensity well past the initial pour.

Taste: The entry is soft and juicy, with apricot and pink lemonade arriving on a pillowy oat malt base. Mid-palate, deeper notes of marmalade and blackberry emerge, adding complexity without bitterness. A tangy, citrus-forward brightness keeps each sip lively.

Finish: Medium in length with a smooth, gently resinous fade. Lingering cantaloupe and tangerine linger alongside a light tangy snap that invites the next drink.

How to Drink Diamond Hands

Pour into a tulip glass or wide-mouthed pint to maximize the aromatic display; this beer rewards a slow, deliberate pour that builds a soft head. Serve cold, around 40–45°F, allowing it to warm slightly in the glass as the fruit notes open up.

• Shandy: Mix half-and-half with fresh lemonade — the existing pink lemonade character creates a naturally cohesive warm-weather drink.
• Michelada: The tangy citrus profile and smooth body stand up well to lime, hot sauce, and Tajín without losing hop complexity.
• Beer cocktail float: Pour over a scoop of mango sorbet for a dessert pairing that plays off the tropical fruit notes.

Best For

• Introducing hop-curious friends to hazy ales without overwhelming bitterness
• Backyard grilling sessions where a juicy, easy-drinking pale ale fits the mood
• Building a craft beer tasting flight focused on Chicago breweries
• Gifting to a fan of fruit-forward, modern pale ales

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Diamond Hands taste like? Diamond Hands delivers juicy waves of tangerine, apricot, marmalade, and blackberry over a soft oat malt body, with a tangy citrus brightness throughout. It drinks smooth and full without significant bitterness.

How does Diamond Hands compare to Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing? Both are widely available hazy, hop-forward beers, but Diamond Hands is classified as a pale ale at 6.5% ABV versus Hazy Little Thing's hazy IPA designation at 6.7% ABV. Diamond Hands leans more toward stone fruit and marmalade sweetness with its Cryo Mosaic addition, while Hazy Little Thing tends toward a more straightforward tropical citrus profile.

Is Diamond Hands good for beginners? Yes — the 6.5% ABV is moderate, and the soft oat malt base keeps bitterness low while showcasing approachable fruit flavors, making it a strong entry point into hazy ales.

Where is Diamond Hands made? Diamond Hands is brewed by Pipeworks Brewing Company in Chicago, Illinois. Pipeworks has been operating since 2012 and earned RateBeer's Best New Brewery award in its debut year.

What foods pair well with Diamond Hands? Fish tacos with mango salsa complement the tropical fruit notes. Grilled chicken with a citrus glaze mirrors the tangerine and apricot character. A charcuterie board with mild, creamy cheeses like burrata balances the beer's tangy brightness. Thai green curry works well, as the beer's smooth body tempers spice while its fruit notes echo lemongrass and lime leaf.

What sizes does Diamond Hands come in? Diamond Hands is available as a four-pack of 16oz cans, which is the standard format for this release from Pipeworks.

Is Diamond Hands worth the price? Diamond Hands positions as a mid-range craft pale ale and delivers complexity — particularly in hop aroma persistence and layered fruit character — that competes well against other premium hazy pale ales at the same tier. Its 4.0 rating on Untappd across more than 2,500 reviews reflects consistent consumer approval.

Why Diamond Hands?

The defining trait of Diamond Hands is its hop aroma longevity. Where many hazy pale ales front-load their aromatics and fade quickly, the combination of Citra, Mosaic, and Cryo Mosaic here produces a fragrance that holds from first pour through the bottom of the glass. The oat malt base gives the beer a textural richness uncommon in sub-7% pale ales, carrying the fruit notes without relying on residual sweetness. Backed by a brewery that earned national recognition in its first year of production, Diamond Hands represents Pipeworks at its most focused — a single-minded pursuit of hop expression wrapped in a smooth, drinkable format.