Pipeworks Punch In Punch Out 4Pk

Pipeworks Punch In Punch Out 4Pk is a fruit-loaded hazy American pale ale from Chicago's Pipeworks Brewing Company, packaged as a 4-pack at 5.5% ABV. Brewed with Mosaic, Citra, and Simcoe hops alongside pineapple, cherries, and tangerines, this release earned an 87 on BeerAdvocate, reflecting its well-balanced approach to the fruit-forward hazy style.

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

Production & Heritage

Pipeworks Brewing Company was founded in Chicago, Illinois, and quickly distinguished itself by launching almost exclusively as a series of one-off, small-batch releases targeting dedicated craft beer enthusiasts. The brewery earned RateBeer's Best New Brewery distinction in 2012, validating its experimental ethos. Punch In Punch Out channels that spirit by layering three hop varieties — Mosaic, Citra, and Simcoe — with real pineapple, cherry, and tangerine additions, resulting in a hazy pale ale that leans into tropical and stone-fruit character while remaining sessionable at 5.5% ABV.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with bright tropical fruit — pineapple and tangerine zest lead the way, followed by a floral hop character courtesy of the Mosaic and Citra blend. A subtle cherry sweetness rounds out the bouquet without becoming syrupy.

Taste: On the palate, juicy pineapple takes center stage, supported by ripe cherry and a hint of toasted caramel at mid-palate. The tangerine comes through as a zesty citrus lift that keeps the fruit additions from feeling heavy. A mild, balanced bitterness from the Simcoe hops anchors the sweetness and provides structure.

Finish: The finish is dry and moderately short, with lingering hop resin and a last flash of tropical fruit. It leaves the palate clean enough to encourage another sip without any cloying residual sweetness.

How to Drink Punch In Punch Out

Pour this hazy pale ale into a tulip glass or standard pint glass at 40–45°F to let the fruit aromatics open up fully. It drinks well straight from the can on a hot day, but a proper pour reveals the murky peach-gold color and thick beigy-white foam head that signal what's coming.

• Beer cocktail — Shandy variation: Mix half-and-half with fresh lemonade; the existing citrus and pineapple notes amplify naturally.
• Michelada riff: The fruit-forward profile and moderate bitterness pair surprisingly well with lime, hot sauce, and Tajín for a spicy-tropical twist.
• Radler: Combine with grapefruit soda for a low-ABV summer cooler that plays off the Citra and tangerine character.

Best For

• Backyard cookouts and summer gatherings where sessionability matters
• Introducing hop-curious friends to hazy pale ales without overwhelming bitterness
• Pairing with grilled or smoked foods that benefit from a fruity counterpoint
• Building a craft beer tasting flight exploring Chicago's brewing scene

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Punch In Punch Out taste like? It leads with juicy pineapple and cherry sweetness, balanced by zesty tangerine and a dry, moderately bitter hop finish from Mosaic, Citra, and Simcoe hops.

How does Punch In Punch Out compare to Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing? Both are hazy pale ales with tropical hop character, but Punch In Punch Out distinguishes itself with real fruit additions — pineapple, cherry, and tangerine — that push it toward a more pronounced juicy sweetness, whereas Hazy Little Thing relies primarily on hop-derived fruit notes at a slightly higher 6.7% ABV.

Is Punch In Punch Out good for beginners? Yes — at 5.5% ABV with prominent fruit flavors and restrained bitterness, it serves as an approachable entry point into the hazy pale ale category without sacrificing complexity.

Where is Punch In Punch Out made? Punch In Punch Out is brewed by Pipeworks Brewing Company in Chicago, Illinois. Pipeworks has operated out of Chicago since its founding and earned RateBeer's Best New Brewery award in 2012.

What foods pair well with Punch In Punch Out? Grilled shrimp tacos complement the tropical fruit notes. Pulled pork benefits from the beer's citrus zest cutting through fat and smoke. Thai green curry mirrors the tropical aromatics while the hop bitterness refreshes the palate. Sharp cheddar provides a savory contrast to the fruit sweetness. Key lime pie echoes the tangerine and pineapple character for a dessert pairing.

What sizes does Punch In Punch Out come in? Punch In Punch Out is available as a 4-pack of cans, which is the standard retail format for this release.

Is Punch In Punch Out worth the price? Punch In Punch Out positions as a mid-range craft pale ale, and the real fruit additions and triple-hop bill deliver more complexity than many comparably priced hazy pale ales, making it a strong value within the style.

Why Punch In Punch Out?

What separates this beer from the crowded hazy pale ale field is the deliberate layering of three distinct hop varieties with three real fruit additions — a combination that most breweries reserve for higher-ABV, higher-priced specialty releases. Pipeworks' experimental DNA, rooted in its one-off brewing philosophy and recognized by RateBeer's 2012 Best New Brewery distinction, shows here in a beer that manages to taste punchy and tropical while staying at a sessionable 5.5% ABV. The BeerAdvocate score of 87 confirms broad drinker approval. For anyone seeking a fruit-forward hazy pale ale with genuine depth rather than gimmick, Punch In Punch Out delivers exactly that.