Half Acre Daisy Cutter Union 4Pk is a 7% ABV West Coast-style IPA brewed by Half Acre Beer Company in collaboration with Firestone Walker Brewing Company. This limited collaboration stands out for its use of HQG#4, a newly developed experimental hop from the Hop Quality Group breeding program, alongside Krush and Simcoe hops — earning a 4.08 rating on BeerAdvocate.Quick Facts: ABV: 7% | Origin: Chicago, Illinois | Style: West Coast IPA | Brewery: Half Acre Beer Company x Firestone Walker Brewing CompanyProduction & HeritageHalf Acre Beer Company, based in Chicago's North Center neighborhood, has built a loyal following around its flagship Daisy Cutter Pale Ale. Daisy Cutter Union represents a collaborative riff on that legacy, conceived as a cultural nod to Firestone Walker's iconic Union Jack IPA. The brew features a triple-hop bill of HQG#4 — an experimental variety from the Hop Quality Group's breeding program — alongside Krush and Simcoe, delivering a hop profile that blends cutting-edge agriculture with classic West Coast bitterness.Tasting NotesAroma: Bright orange and tangerine lead the nose, followed by waves of tropical berry and flower. Underneath, earthy pine resin grounds the aromatics with unmistakable West Coast character.Taste: The entry is clean and airy, with orange zest and stone fruit arriving first on the palate. Mid-palate brings a moderately bitter resin character, peppery spice, and light berry notes that keep things dynamic. Grapefruit rind and pith emerge toward the peak, reinforcing the bitter backbone without overwhelming the fruit.Finish: The finish is classic and composed — dry, moderately bitter, with lingering grapefruit pith and a dusting of pine. It resolves cleanly, inviting another sip without cloying sweetness.How to Drink Daisy Cutter UnionPour cold into a tulip glass or standard pint to let the aromatic hop oils open up; this IPA rewards attention to its nose. Three cocktail-adjacent serves worth considering: a Michelada, where the citrus-forward hops complement lime and hot sauce; a Beer-a-Rita layered over crushed ice with fresh grapefruit juice to amplify the pith notes; or a Hop Drop 'n Roll Shandy blended with lemonade on a hot day to temper the bitterness while showcasing the tropical berry.Best For Sharing with a fellow hop enthusiast who appreciates experimental varieties Backyard grilling sessions where bold, bitter beer cuts through charred and smoky flavors Gifting to a craft beer collector interested in limited-run collaborations Side-by-side tasting alongside Firestone Walker Union Jack to explore the stylistic dialogue between the two breweries Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Daisy Cutter Union taste like? Daisy Cutter Union delivers bright orange and tangerine citrus upfront, followed by stone fruit, tropical berry, and a moderately bitter resin backbone with peppery pine on the finish.How does Daisy Cutter Union compare to Firestone Walker Union Jack? Daisy Cutter Union is explicitly conceived as a cultural nod to Union Jack, sharing the West Coast IPA framework, but it distinguishes itself through the experimental HQG#4 hop, which introduces unique tropical berry and floral dimensions not found in Union Jack's more established hop bill. Both sit at similar ABV ranges and champion dry, bitter finishes.Is Daisy Cutter Union good for IPA fans? Absolutely — its classic West Coast bitterness, clean body, and layered hop complexity make it a rewarding pour for anyone who gravitates toward resinous, citrus-driven IPAs.Where is Daisy Cutter Union made? Daisy Cutter Union is brewed by Half Acre Beer Company in Chicago, Illinois, in collaboration with Firestone Walker Brewing Company of Paso Robles, California.What foods pair well with Daisy Cutter Union? Spicy fish tacos, where the citrus hops echo lime and cut through chili heat; smoked brisket, with the pine bitterness slicing through fat; sharp aged cheddar, which amplifies the malt backbone; grilled shrimp skewers that complement the tropical berry notes; and pepperoni pizza, where the resin and carbonation refresh the palate between bites.What sizes does Daisy Cutter Union come in? Daisy Cutter Union is available as a 4-pack of cans.Is Daisy Cutter Union worth the price? As a limited collaboration between two respected craft breweries featuring an experimental hop variety, Daisy Cutter Union positions itself in the premium craft IPA tier and delivers distinctive character that justifies a step up from everyday IPAs.Why Daisy Cutter Union?The inclusion of HQG#4 — an experimental hop still making its way through the Hop Quality Group's breeding pipeline — gives this beer a genuinely uncommon flavor dimension that most West Coast IPAs cannot replicate. The collaboration between Half Acre and Firestone Walker brings together Chicago's scrappy craft ethos and Paso Robles' hop-forward precision, resulting in a beer that honors Union Jack's legacy while forging its own identity. With a 4.08 rating on BeerAdvocate and strong community reception on Untappd (4.0 across nearly 3,000 ratings), Daisy Cutter Union has earned credibility beyond hype. For anyone serious about West Coast IPA, this is a snapshot of where the style is heading.
