Shortfuse Sunkiss 4Pk

Shortfuse Sunkiss 4Pk is a tangerine wheat ale brewed by Short Fuse Brewing Company in Schiller Park, Illinois, at 5% ABV. This sessionable wheat ale stands apart from standard citrus wheats by leaning into a distinct tangerine character rather than the more common orange peel, earning a solid 3.5 out of 5 rating on Untappd from nearly 500 reviewers.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5%  |  Origin: Schiller Park, Illinois  |  Style: Tangerine Wheat Ale  |  Brewery: Short Fuse Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Short Fuse Brewing Company operates out of Schiller Park, Illinois, a suburb just northwest of Chicago. The brewery focuses on approachable, flavor-forward craft beer, and Sunkiss represents its take on the American wheat ale style with a tangerine twist. Built on a wheat-heavy grain bill, the beer incorporates tangerine to deliver a citrus profile that distinguishes it from the orange-and-coriander approach typical of Belgian-style wheat ales.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: A pronounced tangerine nose leads immediately, bright and inviting. Behind the citrus sits a soft, bready wheat character that keeps things grounded.

Taste: The entry is clean and wheaty, with a gentle grain sweetness that gives way to tangerine citrus at mid-palate. The citrus flavor is lighter than the nose suggests — present but restrained, letting the wheat backbone carry much of the weight. A subtle tartness keeps it from turning cloying.

Finish: Short and crisp with a lingering hint of citrus peel. The low bitterness and moderate carbonation leave the palate refreshed and ready for another sip.

How to Drink Sunkiss

Sunkiss drinks best cold, straight from the can or poured into a pint glass to release the tangerine aromatics. Its light body and modest ABV make it an easy all-afternoon pour. For cocktail-adjacent serves, try a Wheat Beer Shandy — the tangerine notes pair naturally with lemonade. A Radler with grapefruit soda amplifies the citrus without overpowering the wheat base. It also works in a Beermosa, where the tangerine character complements fresh orange juice for a brunch-worthy combination.

Best For

• Backyard cookouts and warm-weather gatherings where sessionability matters
• Introducing craft beer newcomers to wheat ales beyond mass-market options
• Pairing with lighter fare at a summer dinner party
• Supporting local Illinois craft brewing with an everyday drinker

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Sunkiss taste like? Sunkiss delivers a clean wheat ale base with a pronounced tangerine aroma and a lighter, subtly citrusy flavor that finishes crisp and refreshing.

How does Sunkiss compare to Blue Moon Belgian White? Blue Moon relies on Valencia orange peel and coriander for a spiced, Belgian-style wheat profile, while Sunkiss skips the spice entirely and centers its flavor on tangerine. Sunkiss also comes in at 5% ABV compared to Blue Moon's 5.4%, making it slightly more sessionable.

Is Sunkiss good for beginners? Yes — its approachable 5% ABV, mild bitterness, and familiar citrus character make it an easy entry point for anyone exploring wheat ales or craft beer in general.

Where is Sunkiss made? Sunkiss is brewed by Short Fuse Brewing Company in Schiller Park, Illinois, a suburb located just outside Chicago in the northwestern suburbs.

What foods pair well with Sunkiss? Grilled chicken or fish tacos complement the tangerine citrus without competing for attention. Light salads with vinaigrette dressings echo the beer's subtle tartness. Soft pretzels with mustard play well off the wheat malt backbone. Fresh fruit desserts, particularly those featuring stone fruit or citrus, round out the pairing naturally.

What sizes does Sunkiss come in? Sunkiss is available in a 4-pack format, which is the standard offering from Short Fuse Brewing Company for this release.

Is Sunkiss worth the price? Sunkiss positions as an accessible, everyday craft wheat ale — priced in line with other local and regional craft 4-packs. For drinkers who want a tangerine-forward alternative to mass-market citrus wheats, it delivers honest flavor at a fair craft-beer value tier.

Why Sunkiss?

In a wheat ale category dominated by orange peel and coriander, Sunkiss takes a different path by building its identity around tangerine — a choice that gives it a brighter, more distinctive citrus profile. At 5% ABV, it sits comfortably in session territory without sacrificing flavor. The beer has resonated with nearly 500 Untappd reviewers who consistently note its aromatic punch and easy drinkability. For anyone seeking a locally brewed Illinois wheat ale with genuine fruit character rather than artificial sweetness, Sunkiss earns its spot in the cooler.