Phase Three DDH Protocol 4Pk is a double dry hopped Imperial New England IPA from Phase Three Brewing in Lake Zurich, Illinois, clocking in at 8% ABV. Built on a triple-hop bill of Citra, El Dorado, and Galaxy, this release carries a strong 4.16 rating on Untappd, placing it among Phase Three's most sought-after hazy offerings. Quick Facts: ABV: 8% | Origin: Lake Zurich, Illinois, USA | Style: Double Dry Hopped Imperial Hazy IPA | Brewery: Phase Three Brewing Production & Heritage Phase Three Brewing operates out of Lake Zurich, Illinois, and has built a devoted following among hazy IPA enthusiasts for its soft, hop-saturated releases. DDH Protocol uses a double dry hopping process — meaning hops are added in two separate charges during fermentation and conditioning — to maximize aromatic intensity without adding harsh bitterness. The hop combination of Citra, El Dorado, and Galaxy is engineered to deliver overlapping layers of citrus, stone fruit, and tropical character, with each variety reinforcing the others across different points of the flavor arc. Tasting Notes Aroma: Bright tropical fruit leads immediately — mango, papaya, and ripe peach rise from the glass. Behind the initial fruit wave, herbal tea-like hop aromatics mingle with a touch of earthy pine and fresh citrus zest. Taste: The entry is juicy and full, with orange citrus and tropical fruit coating the palate right away. Mid-palate brings layers of stone fruit, mixed berry, and a soft sweetness balanced by a restrained hop resin. The body is smooth, creamy, and medium-full, carrying the fruit character without becoming heavy or cloying. Finish: The finish dries out crisply, cutting through the lush body with a clean, refreshing snap. Lingering notes of citrus pith and light pine resin keep the palate engaged well after the sip. How to Drink DDH Protocol Pour into a tulip glass or stemless wine glass slightly below refrigerator temperature — around 42–48°F — to let the hop aromatics open fully. This beer is best enjoyed fresh and on its own, as the complexity of the triple-hop bill rewards undivided attention. A Michelada variation with DDH Protocol's citrus character adds an interesting twist to the classic. A Shandy made with fresh lemonade highlights the beer's bright tropical notes. A simple Beermosa with fresh-squeezed orange juice complements the existing citrus backbone without overwhelming it. Best For Sharing with fellow hazy IPA enthusiasts at a weekend tasting session Pairing with a backyard cookout featuring grilled seafood or spicy wings Gifting to a craft beer collector who follows limited Illinois brewery releases Enjoying fresh on a warm afternoon when bold hop character is the priority Frequently Asked Questions What does DDH Protocol taste like? DDH Protocol delivers a juicy, tropical-forward flavor profile dominated by mango, citrus, and stone fruit, carried on a creamy, medium-full body that finishes dry and crisp. The double dry hopping with Citra, El Dorado, and Galaxy creates layered hop complexity without aggressive bitterness. How does DDH Protocol compare to Phase Three DDH Double Pixel Density? Both are 8% ABV hazy double IPAs from Phase Three, but DDH Protocol uses a three-hop blend of Citra, El Dorado, and Galaxy, while DDH Double Pixel Density is built around Citra as its primary hop. DDH Double Pixel Density is considered one of Phase Three's most popular releases, and DDH Protocol offers a broader tropical spectrum due to its more diverse hop bill. Is DDH Protocol good for sipping on its own? DDH Protocol is excellent for drinking on its own, as the aromatic complexity and full body reward a slow, deliberate pour into a proper glass. Its balanced sweetness-to-dryness ratio makes it sessionable despite the 8% ABV. Where is DDH Protocol made? DDH Protocol is brewed by Phase Three Brewing in Lake Zurich, Illinois, a suburb northwest of Chicago. Phase Three has earned a strong reputation among craft beer enthusiasts for its hazy IPAs and limited-release offerings. What foods pair well with DDH Protocol? Spicy Thai curry works well, as the beer's tropical fruit balances capsaicin heat. Fish tacos with mango salsa complement the citrus hop character directly. Grilled shrimp skewers with a citrus glaze echo the beer's bright aromatics. Sharp cheddar cheese contrasts the creamy body with its savory edge. Jerk chicken pairs naturally, matching the tropical fruit notes against warm Caribbean spices. What sizes does DDH Protocol come in? DDH Protocol is available in a 4-pack format, which is the standard release configuration from Phase Three Brewing for this expression. Is DDH Protocol worth the price? DDH Protocol positions as a premium craft release within the hazy double IPA category, consistent with Phase Three's reputation for limited, high-quality hop-forward beers. Its 4.16 Untappd rating and the quality of the three-hop combination place it firmly in the upper tier of the style, offering strong value for enthusiasts seeking top-shelf hazy IPAs. Why DDH Protocol? DDH Protocol stands out in a crowded hazy DIPA landscape because of its specific three-hop architecture — the interplay of Citra's citrus punch, El Dorado's stone fruit sweetness, and Galaxy's tropical depth creates a more dimensional beer than single or dual-hop releases typically achieve. Phase Three's double dry hopping process concentrates those aromatics without introducing the vegetal or astringent qualities that can plague over-hopped beers. With a 4.16 rating on Untappd from over a thousand reviews, DDH Protocol has proven its consistency across batches. For drinkers who want a hazy double IPA that delivers both explosive hop aroma and a clean, drinkable finish at 8% ABV, this is one of the more reliable options coming out of the Illinois craft scene.
