Riverlands Skipping Rocks 4Pk

Riverlands Skipping Rocks 4Pk is a New England-style IPA from Riverlands Brewing Company in St. Charles, Illinois, packaged in four 16-ounce cans at 7.3% ABV. This hazy IPA builds its citrus-driven character around a three-hop bill blending American and New Zealand varieties — Azacca, Simcoe, and Motueka — that tilts decidedly toward lime and orange.

Quick Facts: ABV: 7.3%  |  Origin: St. Charles, Illinois, USA  |  Style: New England IPA  |  Brewery: Riverlands Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Riverlands Brewing Company operates out of St. Charles, Illinois, part of the Fox River Valley's growing craft beer corridor west of Chicago. Skipping Rocks is brewed in the New England IPA tradition — unfiltered and hazy — with a hop bill that pairs American varieties Azacca and Simcoe alongside New Zealand-grown Motueka. Azacca contributes tropical and citrus aromatics, Simcoe adds piney resinous depth, and Motueka brings a distinctive lime zest character that defines much of this beer's identity.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Pours a characteristically cloudy, pale gold typical of the NEIPA style. A generous white head forms with solid retention and lacing.

Aroma: Citrus leads immediately, with fresh lime peel at the forefront followed by hints of orange rind. A subtle tropical undertone from the Azacca hops rounds out the nose without overwhelming the citrus core.

Taste: The palate opens with sweet orange and lime flavors that echo the aroma closely. The malt backbone remains lean, letting the hop character sit front and center. Bitterness is restrained in keeping with the New England style, favoring juicy citrus expression over sharp hop bite.

Finish: Dry and relatively quick, with residual lime zest lingering briefly. The light body and moderate carbonation keep the finish clean rather than coating.

How to Enjoy Skipping Rocks

Serve cold, ideally between 40–45°F, poured into a tulip glass or wide-mouth pint to release the hop aromatics and showcase the haze. This is a straightforward drinking beer — no garnishes or mixers needed. For beer cocktail enthusiasts, Skipping Rocks can work in a Michelada where its lime character complements the tomato and hot sauce; a Shandy mixed with fresh lemonade to amplify the citrus notes; or a Beermosa with fresh-squeezed orange juice to lean into the tropical side of the hop bill.

Best For

• Summer backyard gatherings where a hazy, sessionable-feeling IPA fits the mood
• Introducing a hop-curious friend to the New England IPA style
• Pairing with grilled seafood or tacos at a casual dinner
• Stocking a craft beer cooler with Illinois-brewed options

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Skipping Rocks taste like? Skipping Rocks is a citrus-forward hazy IPA dominated by lime and orange flavors with a dry, clean finish. The hop bitterness is muted in favor of juicy fruit character, consistent with the New England IPA style.

How does Skipping Rocks compare to Boss Tweed by Old Nation Brewing? Both are New England-style IPAs, but Boss Tweed from Old Nation Brewing in Michigan is widely considered a benchmark of the style with significantly higher critical ratings (9.29/10 on Two Beer Dudes versus 6.21/10 for Skipping Rocks). Boss Tweed tends to deliver a fuller body and more layered hop complexity, while Skipping Rocks takes a lighter, more citrus-focused approach.

Is Skipping Rocks good for someone new to hazy IPAs? Yes — its lighter body, approachable citrus profile, and restrained bitterness make it a relatively gentle entry point into the New England IPA category. The 7.3% ABV is moderate for the style, though worth noting over multiple cans.

Where is Skipping Rocks made? Skipping Rocks is brewed by Riverlands Brewing Company in St. Charles, Illinois, located in the Fox River Valley region approximately 35 miles west of downtown Chicago.

What foods pair well with Skipping Rocks? Fish tacos work well, as the lime hop character echoes a fresh squeeze of citrus. Grilled shrimp or ceviche complement the beer's tropical notes. Thai green curry matches the light body while the hops cut through coconut richness. A simple margherita pizza pairs cleanly without competing for attention. Fresh goat cheese or a citrus-dressed arugula salad also align with the bright flavor profile.

What sizes does Skipping Rocks come in? Skipping Rocks is available in a 4-pack of 16-ounce cans, the standard tall-can format common to craft NEIPAs.

Is Skipping Rocks worth the price? Skipping Rocks positions in the mid-range craft IPA tier — priced competitively with other regional 4-pack 16-ounce NEIPAs. It delivers solid citrus hop character and easy drinkability, though buyers seeking more complexity or body may want to explore higher-rated options in the style.

Why Skipping Rocks?

The defining feature of Skipping Rocks is its specific three-hop combination: Azacca and Simcoe from the American hop-growing tradition paired with Motueka from New Zealand, yielding a lime-citrus character that stands apart from the more tropical-leaning NEIPAs that crowd the category. Brewed in St. Charles, it represents the Illinois craft scene's take on the hazy IPA movement without chasing excessive sweetness or heavy mouthfeel. The 16-ounce four-pack format suits the beer's lighter, more refreshing personality — built for warm-weather drinking rather than slow contemplation. For drinkers who want a crisp, citrus-driven New England IPA without excessive weight, Skipping Rocks fills that specific niche.