Phase Three Graduated Color 4Pk is a double dry-hopped Double New England Hazy IPA at 8.1% ABV, sold as a four-pack from Phase Three Brewing Company. This small-batch release has earned a 4.25 out of 5 on BeerAdvocate, underscoring its standing among highly regarded American hazy DIPAs.Quick Facts: ABV: 8.1% | Origin: Lake Zurich, Illinois, USA | Style: Double New England Hazy IPA | Brewery: Phase Three Brewing CompanyProduction & HeritagePhase Three Brewing Company operates out of Lake Zurich, Illinois, with a deliberate focus on small-batch production that prioritizes recipe precision over volume. Graduated Color is built on a triple hop bill of Citra, El Dorado, and Mosaic, then double dry-hopped to amplify aromatic intensity without adding harsh bitterness. This process-driven approach means each release reflects tightly controlled brewing runs rather than scaled-up formulations, giving the beer a freshness and specificity that larger-production hazy DIPAs often lack.Tasting NotesAroma: Ripe mango and citrus zest lead immediately, followed by resinous tropical notes and a soft floral undertone from the Mosaic hops. The double dry-hop delivers pronounced hop aromatics without any harsh vegetal character.Taste: The entry is juicy and forward, with grapefruit and lime bursting across the palate. Mid-palate, mango and tropical resin take over, layered with a subtle stone-fruit sweetness from the El Dorado. The mouthfeel is pillowy and full, characteristic of the New England hazy style at this ABV.Finish: Medium-length with lingering citrus pith and a gentle resinous bitterness that keeps the sweetness in check. The finish stays clean, encouraging another sip rather than fatiguing the palate.How to Drink Graduated ColorPour this beer cold — around 40–45°F — into a tulip glass or standard pint to allow the aromatic oils from the triple hop bill to open up fully. Graduated Color is best enjoyed fresh, as hop-forward hazy DIPAs lose vibrancy over time. While this style is typically consumed on its own, it also works in a Michelada where its citrus intensity complements the lime and hot sauce base, a Beer Margarita (Beergarita) where the tropical fruit character amplifies tequila and lime, or a Hop Shandy blending it with fresh lemonade for a lower-ABV afternoon drink.Best For Sharing at a backyard cookout with fellow craft beer enthusiasts Gifting to a hazy IPA collector who follows limited small-batch releases Pairing alongside a taco night spread with bold, spicy flavors Adding to a curated tasting flight of top-rated American hazy DIPAs Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Graduated Color taste like? Graduated Color delivers an intensely juicy profile of grapefruit, lime, and mango, backed by resinous tropical fruit and a pillowy, soft mouthfeel characteristic of the hazy DIPA style.How does Graduated Color compare to Tree House Julius? Both are highly rated New England-style IPAs with tropical, citrus-forward profiles, but Graduated Color runs at 8.1% ABV as a Double IPA with a triple hop combination of Citra, El Dorado, and Mosaic, giving it a more layered resinous quality. Tree House Julius is a single IPA at a lower ABV, generally presenting a softer, lighter body.Is Graduated Color good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — the double dry-hopped aromatics, full body, and balanced bitterness make it an excellent standalone pour, best served cold and fresh in a tulip glass.Where is Graduated Color made? Graduated Color is brewed by Phase Three Brewing Company in Lake Zurich, Illinois, a suburb northwest of Chicago known for a growing craft brewing scene.What foods pair well with Graduated Color? Fish tacos with mango salsa mirror the beer's tropical character; spicy Thai green curry contrasts its juicy sweetness; a citrus-dressed ceviche echoes the lime and grapefruit notes; sharp aged cheddar provides a savory counterpoint; and grilled pineapple or stone-fruit desserts complement the El Dorado hop's fruity contribution.What sizes does Graduated Color come in? Graduated Color is sold as a four-pack of cans, which is the standard retail format for this release.Is Graduated Color worth the price? Graduated Color positions as a premium small-batch craft release, and its 4.25/5 BeerAdvocate rating and limited production runs place it firmly in specialty-tier territory — competitive with other top-shelf hazy DIPAs from sought-after microbreweries.Why Graduated Color?What separates Graduated Color from the crowded hazy DIPA landscape is Phase Three's commitment to small-batch brewing discipline. The double dry-hop process with Citra, El Dorado, and Mosaic creates a hop synergy that hits multiple citrus and tropical registers without tipping into one-note territory. A 4.25/5 BeerAdvocate score puts it in rare company among independently brewed American DIPAs. For drinkers who track limited craft releases, Graduated Color delivers the kind of focused, expressive hop character that validates the pursuit.
