Pipeworks Jellied Eels 4Pk

Pipeworks Jellied Eels 4Pk is a New Zealand-style pale ale from Chicago's Pipeworks Brewing Company, sold as a 4-pack at 5.5% ABV. Brewed with a distinctive combination of NewZilla and Amarillo hops, this release highlights Pipeworks' reputation for pushing creative boundaries with bold hop selections sourced from the Southern Hemisphere and beyond.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.5%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: NZ-Style Pale Ale  |  Brewery: Pipeworks Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Pipeworks Brewing Company, founded in 2012 in Chicago, built its identity on small-batch, boundary-pushing beers with striking label art. Jellied Eels is brewed using NewZilla hops—a New Zealand varietal prized for its intense tropical fruit character—alongside American-grown Amarillo hops, which contribute stone fruit and citrus notes. The result is a pale ale that leans into the lush, fruit-forward profile associated with New Zealand brewing traditions while maintaining a clean, approachable malt backbone typical of Pipeworks' lighter offerings.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Bright tropical fruit leads immediately—pineapple and passionfruit dominate, followed by citrus zest and a gentle floral hop sweetness. The overall impression is vibrant and inviting without heavy resinous bitterness.

Taste: The entry is juicy, with ripe mango and grapefruit flavors arriving together on the front palate. At mid-palate, a clean, crisp malt backbone emerges to balance the fruit, keeping the beer from veering into sweetness. The hop bitterness is restrained and well-integrated, allowing the tropical character to stay in focus throughout.

Finish: Light and refreshing with a slightly dry close that encourages another sip. Lingering citrus hop accents remain after the swallow, giving the beer a clean, defined ending.

How to Drink Jellied Eels

Jellied Eels is best served cold, around 40–45°F, in a tulip glass or straight from the can for casual drinking. Its fruit-forward hop profile and moderate ABV make it a versatile companion across a range of settings. As a shandy base, mixing it with fresh lemonade plays off the existing citrus notes for a summer refresher. It also works well in a beer cocktail like a Michelada, where its tropical character adds complexity against lime and hot sauce. For a simple twist, try a Beermosa—Jellied Eels blended with fresh orange juice makes an excellent brunch serve that highlights the passionfruit and mango notes.

Best For

• Backyard cookouts and warm-weather gatherings where a sessionable, hop-forward beer is needed
• Introducing hop-curious drinkers to New Zealand hop varieties without overwhelming bitterness
• Pairing with spicy or grilled foods that benefit from tropical fruit contrast
• Gifting to craft beer enthusiasts who appreciate creative, small-batch brewing

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Jellied Eels taste like? Jellied Eels delivers juicy mango and grapefruit flavors supported by a clean malt backbone, with a refreshing, slightly dry finish accented by lingering citrus hop notes. The overall impression is tropical, bright, and easy-drinking.

How does Jellied Eels compare to Sierra Nevada Pale Ale? Sierra Nevada Pale Ale relies on classic Cascade hops for its piney, floral, and citrus character, whereas Jellied Eels uses NewZilla and Amarillo hops to achieve a more tropical, fruit-forward profile with pineapple and passionfruit. Jellied Eels is generally softer in bitterness and leans more toward juicy fruit than the assertive, resinous bite of Sierra Nevada's flagship.

Is Jellied Eels good for beginners? Yes—at 5.5% ABV with moderate bitterness and a fruit-driven flavor profile, Jellied Eels is approachable for drinkers who are new to craft pale ales or unfamiliar with New Zealand hops. Its tropical character tends to appeal even to those who find traditionally bitter pale ales challenging.

Where is Jellied Eels made? Jellied Eels is brewed by Pipeworks Brewing Company in Chicago, Illinois. Pipeworks was founded in 2012 and has earned a dedicated following for its inventive, small-batch beer lineup.

What foods pair well with Jellied Eels? Grilled shrimp tacos benefit from the beer's tropical fruit notes cutting through charred richness. Spicy Thai green curry finds balance against the juicy mango and citrus flavors. Fish and chips match the beer's crisp, clean finish. A citrus-dressed arugula salad mirrors the hop character, while sharp aged cheddar creates a satisfying contrast between tangy cheese and bright, fruity hops.

What sizes does Jellied Eels come in? Jellied Eels is commonly available as a 4-pack of cans, which is the standard retail format for this release from Pipeworks Brewing Company.

Is Jellied Eels worth the price? Jellied Eels positions as a craft-priced pale ale consistent with Pipeworks' small-batch approach and specialty hop sourcing. For drinkers specifically seeking New Zealand hop character in a well-executed pale ale format, the 4-pack represents solid value within the premium craft beer segment.

Why Jellied Eels?

What separates Jellied Eels from the crowded pale ale field is its deliberate use of NewZilla hops—a less common New Zealand variety that delivers a distinctly tropical signature not easily replicated with standard American hop bills. Pipeworks' decision to pair NewZilla with Amarillo creates a layered hop profile that moves from Southern Hemisphere passionfruit and pineapple into American citrus and stone fruit territory. At 5.5% ABV, the beer stays sessionable without sacrificing flavor density. For anyone looking to explore what New Zealand hops bring to the glass, Jellied Eels serves as a focused, well-crafted introduction from one of Chicago's most creative small breweries.