Phase Three Double Nectar 4Pk is a fruit-forward imperial sour ale brewed at 7.8% ABV by Phase Three Brewing Company in Lake Zurich, Illinois. As the amplified sibling of the brewery's popular Nectar series, Double Nectar layers tropical fruit additions onto a sour ale base, resulting in a bold yet balanced expression that has earned a strong 4.30 average rating across nearly 2,900 user reviews. Quick Facts: ABV: 7.8% | Origin: Lake Zurich, Illinois, USA | Style: Imperial Fruited Sour Ale | Brewery: Phase Three Brewing Company | Format: 4-Pack Production & Heritage Phase Three Brewing Company operates out of Lake Zurich, Illinois, and has built a devoted following around its quality-first approach to adjunct-driven sour ales. Double Nectar is the imperial-strength version of the core Nectar series, ramping up the fruit additions and body while maintaining the clean tartness that defines the lineup. The brewery takes a pragmatic stance on flavor adjuncts, prioritizing balance over sheer intensity — a philosophy that shows in Double Nectar's restrained acidity despite its generous fruit load. Tasting Notes Aroma: Tropical fruit jumps from the glass immediately — ripe guava, mango, and pineapple dominate, with softer stone fruit notes of apricot and peach lurking beneath. A gentle lactic tang ties the aromatics together without overwhelming the fruit. Taste: The entry is lush and fruit-forward, with guava and mango establishing a sweet tropical pulse on the front palate. Mid-palate, pineapple tartness and orange citrus notes emerge, adding dimension and preventing the beer from reading as one-dimensional. The acidity is present but measured — enough to brighten and lift the fruit rather than pucker. Finish: Medium in length with a clean, slightly tart fadeout and lingering tropical fruit sweetness. The mouthfeel carries a soft, almost smoothie-like texture that belies the 7.8% ABV. How to Drink Double Nectar Double Nectar drinks best cold, poured into a tulip glass or stemless wine glass to concentrate its aromatic intensity. Straight from the can works well for casual sessions, though the pour reveals more nuance. This imperial sour pairs naturally with a Paloma-style shandy — top a half-pour with grapefruit soda for a low-effort warm-weather drink. It also works in a Berliner Radler mixed with lemonade to stretch the tartness, or blended into a beer float with mango sorbet for a dessert application that highlights the tropical character. Best For Sharing at a backyard cookout or summer gathering with craft beer fans Gifting to a sour ale enthusiast exploring top-tier Illinois breweries Pairing alongside a charcuterie spread or brunch menu Adding variety to a curated craft beer tasting lineup Frequently Asked Questions What does Double Nectar taste like? Double Nectar delivers a tropical fruit-dominant flavor profile built around guava, mango, and pineapple, balanced by moderate sour ale tartness and a soft, full body at 7.8% ABV. How does Double Nectar compare to the original Phase Three Nectar? Double Nectar is the imperial-strength version of the standard Nectar series, carrying a higher ABV and more concentrated fruit character while maintaining the same clean, balanced tartness that defines the lineup. Is Double Nectar good for sipping on its own? Yes — the balanced acidity and rich fruit layers make it highly approachable as a standalone pour, especially when served cold in a tulip glass to showcase the aromatics. Where is Double Nectar made? Double Nectar is brewed by Phase Three Brewing Company in Lake Zurich, Illinois, a suburb northwest of Chicago that has become a notable destination for craft beer enthusiasts. What foods pair well with Double Nectar? Grilled shrimp tacos complement the tropical fruit notes; soft, creamy cheeses like brie or burrata mirror the beer's texture; fresh ceviche echoes its citrus acidity; spicy Thai dishes benefit from the fruit sweetness cutting through heat; and fruit tarts or panna cotta make a natural dessert pairing. What sizes does Double Nectar come in? Double Nectar is available in a 4-pack format, which is the standard retail configuration from Phase Three Brewing. Is Double Nectar worth the price? Double Nectar positions in the premium craft sour ale tier, and its generous fruit additions, imperial-strength ABV, and consistently high user ratings support its standing among the more sought-after fruited sours coming out of the Midwest. Why Double Nectar? Phase Three has carved out a reputation for fruited sours that prioritize drinkability over gimmick, and Double Nectar is the clearest expression of that philosophy at full strength. The 7.8% ABV provides enough backbone to support the heavy tropical fruit load without tipping into boozy territory. With nearly 2,900 ratings averaging 4.30, it consistently ranks among the more respected imperial sours in the crowded Midwest craft scene. For drinkers who want tropical intensity held in check by genuine brewing discipline, Double Nectar delivers without excess.
