Phase Three DDH Color Scheme 4Pk is a double dry-hopped hazy imperial IPA from Phase Three Brewing Company, sold in a 4-pack at 8% ABV. Scoring a 91 on BeerAdvocate and holding a 4.1 on Untappd across roughly 900 ratings, this triple-hop combination of Citra, Sabro, and Vic Secret has established itself as one of Phase Three's standout hazy releases. Quick Facts: ABV: 8% | Origin: Lake Zurich, Illinois | Style: Double Dry-Hopped Imperial / Hazy IPA | Brewery: Phase Three Brewing Company Production & Heritage Phase Three Brewing Company operates out of Lake Zurich, Illinois, and has built a devoted following in the Midwest and beyond for its hop-forward and adjunct-heavy releases. DDH Color Scheme is brewed in the New England IPA tradition — hazy, unfiltered, and heavily hopped — then double dry-hopped with a trio of Citra, Sabro, and Vic Secret for maximum aromatic intensity. The Sabro contributes coconut and cedar-like character rarely found in standard hazy IPAs, while Citra and Vic Secret layer in bright citrus and stone fruit complexity. Tasting Notes Aroma: Lemon zest and orange peel arrive first, followed by waves of ripe pineapple and dank, resinous hop oils. A subtle coconut sweetness from the Sabro lingers underneath, lending a tropical depth to the nose. Taste: The entry is pillowy soft with mango and pineapple dominating the front palate. At mid-palate, citrus bitterness emerges alongside earthy, dank undertones that ground the tropical sweetness. The 8% ABV is remarkably well-hidden behind the juice-forward body, with just enough bitterness on the back end to remind you this is a double IPA. Finish: Medium-long with lingering cedar, coconut, and tangy citrus pith. A gentle resinous bitterness dries the palate cleanly, inviting the next sip. How to Drink DDH Color Scheme Pour into a tulip glass or stemless wine glass at around 40–45°F to let the aromatic hop oils fully express themselves; drinking straight from the can mutes much of what makes this beer special. DDH Color Scheme is best enjoyed fresh and on its own, though it also works in beer-forward mixed drinks: a Beermosa with fresh-squeezed orange juice leans into its citrus profile; a Michelada built with lime, hot sauce, and Tajín plays well against the tropical sweetness; and a Beer Shandy with house-made lemonade tempers the ABV while amplifying the citrus notes. Best For Sharing with craft beer enthusiasts who appreciate limited-run hazy IPAs Backyard cookouts and grilling sessions where bold hop flavor matches bold food Building a tasting flight alongside other Phase Three hop-forward releases Gifting to a hop-obsessed friend who tracks down sought-after Midwest breweries Frequently Asked Questions What does DDH Color Scheme taste like? DDH Color Scheme delivers intense tropical fruit — primarily mango, pineapple, and coconut — balanced by dank, earthy hop character and a clean citrus bitterness. The mouthfeel is soft and pillowy, typical of the hazy IPA style, with well-concealed 8% alcohol. How does DDH Color Scheme compare to Other Half DDH IPAs? Both breweries specialize in heavily hopped, hazy double IPAs with lush tropical profiles, but DDH Color Scheme's use of Sabro hops introduces a coconut and cedar dimension that sets it apart from Other Half's more purely citrus-and-stone-fruit-driven DDH offerings. Phase Three's Lake Zurich, Illinois production also makes DDH Color Scheme a Midwest alternative to Other Half's Brooklyn-based lineup. Is DDH Color Scheme good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — at 8% ABV with a smooth, juice-forward body, DDH Color Scheme is built to be savored from a glass at a relaxed pace. The complexity of three hop varieties rewards slow, attentive drinking. Where is DDH Color Scheme made? DDH Color Scheme is brewed by Phase Three Brewing Company in Lake Zurich, Illinois, a suburb northwest of Chicago. Phase Three has become one of the most sought-after craft breweries in the Midwest for its hazy IPAs and stout releases. What foods pair well with DDH Color Scheme? Spicy fish tacos benefit from the beer's tropical sweetness cutting through the heat. Grilled jerk chicken mirrors the coconut and citrus notes in the hop profile. A mango-habanero salsa with tortilla chips echoes the fruit-forward character. Soft, creamy cheeses like burrata or fresh mozzarella contrast the carbonation and bitterness. Thai green curry pairs well, as the beer's sweetness tempers the spice while complementing the lemongrass and coconut flavors. What sizes does DDH Color Scheme come in? DDH Color Scheme is available in the 4-pack can format, which is the standard release size for Phase Three's hazy IPA offerings. Is DDH Color Scheme worth the price? DDH Color Scheme positions in the premium craft tier, consistent with limited-distribution double dry-hopped imperial IPAs from highly regarded small breweries. Its 91-point BeerAdvocate score and distinctive three-hop combination deliver strong value relative to comparable releases in the hazy DIPA category. Why DDH Color Scheme? What separates DDH Color Scheme from the crowded field of hazy double IPAs is the interplay of its three hop varieties — particularly the Sabro, which introduces coconut and cedar notes rarely found in the style. A 91-point BeerAdvocate score confirms that this isn't just another tropical hop bomb; there's layered complexity here that rewards attention. Phase Three's limited distribution and devoted following mean this beer doesn't sit on shelves long, giving it a scarcity factor that matches its quality. For anyone serious about exploring the upper tier of American hazy IPAs, DDH Color Scheme represents exactly what the style can achieve when hop selection is precise and deliberate.
