Phase Three Gravlax Hazy 4Pk is a double dry-hopped New England–style IPA brewed at 7.8% ABV by Phase Three Brewing Company in Lake Zurich, Illinois. Featuring a trio of Strata, Simcoe, and Talus hops, this small-batch release carries a 4.2 out of 5 rating on Untappd across more than 1,500 reviews — a strong consensus for a limited-production hazy. Quick Facts: ABV: 7.8% | Origin: Lake Zurich, Illinois | Style: Double Dry-Hopped New England IPA | Brewery: Phase Three Brewing Company Production & Heritage Phase Three Brewing Company has built a devoted following in the Illinois craft beer scene by prioritizing small-batch releases with heavy dry-hop saturation. Gravlax Hazy undergoes a double dry-hopping process using Strata, Simcoe, and Talus — a hop combination that layers tropical and stone fruit character over resinous, citrus-forward aromatics. The brewery's focus on limited quantities means each batch gets close attention, and cans tend to move quickly once they hit shelves. Tasting Notes Aroma: An immediate wave of ripe tropical fruit leads — mango pulp, papaya, and fresh-squeezed tangerine dominate the first impression. Beneath the fruit sits a subtle undercurrent of citrus pith and grapefruit rind from the Simcoe and Strata hops. Taste: Pillowy and full-bodied from the first sip, with a creamy, oat-driven mouthfeel that coats the palate. Tangerine and ripe stone fruit arrive mid-palate, layered over softer notes of mango and melon. The double dry-hopping delivers substantial hop presence without aggressive bitterness, keeping the balance tilted firmly toward juice-like drinkability. Finish: Medium-long and supremely soft, fading with lingering notes of overripe peach and a faint dusting of citrus zest. The 7.8% ABV is well-hidden beneath the dense, hazy body. How to Drink Gravlax Hazy Pour into a tulip glass or wide-mouth pint glass at around 40–45°F to let the aromatic hop oils open up fully. This beer is built to drink fresh — the double dry-hop character is at its peak within weeks of canning, so there is little benefit in cellaring. Pair it alongside fish tacos with mango salsa, where the tropical hop profile mirrors the fruit in the dish. It also works well with a Nashville hot chicken sandwich, as the creamy body tempers heat. For a lighter pairing, try it with a citrus-dressed arugula salad to complement the tangerine and grapefruit notes. Best For Hazy IPA collectors chasing limited Illinois releases Sharing with friends during a weekend cookout or tasting session Gifting to a craft beer enthusiast who values small-batch brewing Exploring the double dry-hopped style alongside other top-tier Midwest hazies Frequently Asked Questions What does Gravlax Hazy taste like? Gravlax Hazy delivers a juice-forward profile dominated by mango, tangerine, and stone fruit, carried on a pillowy, oat-driven body with virtually no harsh bitterness. How does Gravlax Hazy compare to Hop Butcher for the World hazies? Both are elite Illinois-brewed hazy IPAs, but Phase Three tends to push a denser, more viscous mouthfeel and heavier dry-hop saturation. Hop Butcher often leans slightly more crisp and bright with a drier finish, making the two complementary rather than interchangeable. Is Gravlax Hazy good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — the creamy texture and layered tropical fruit make it extremely approachable straight from the can or poured into a glass, and the 7.8% ABV stays well-concealed behind the soft body. Where is Gravlax Hazy made? Gravlax Hazy is brewed by Phase Three Brewing Company in Lake Zurich, Illinois, a suburb northwest of Chicago that has become a destination for craft beer enthusiasts seeking limited hazy IPA releases. What foods pair well with Gravlax Hazy? Fish tacos with tropical salsa complement the mango and papaya hop notes. Spicy fried chicken benefits from the beer's creamy mouthfeel to temper heat. A citrus-dressed salad echoes the tangerine and grapefruit character. Soft, mild cheeses like burrata let the hop aromatics stay in focus. Grilled shrimp with a lime squeeze mirrors the beer's bright citrus finish. What sizes does Gravlax Hazy come in? Gravlax Hazy is available as a 4-pack of cans, the standard format for Phase Three's hazy IPA releases. Is Gravlax Hazy worth the price? Gravlax Hazy positions as a premium craft release, priced in line with other top-tier double dry-hopped hazies from small-batch Midwest breweries — the limited availability and consistently high community ratings support its standing in that tier. Why Gravlax Hazy? Phase Three's small-batch approach means Gravlax Hazy receives a level of attention that larger-scale hazy producers simply cannot match. The double dry-hopping with Strata, Simcoe, and Talus delivers a hop profile that balances tropical density with citrus brightness — a combination that earned it a 4.2 on Untappd across more than 1,500 ratings. Limited production keeps each release fresh and in demand, and the brewery's reputation within the Illinois craft scene continues to grow with every batch. For drinkers who seek out the richest, most saturated New England–style IPAs the Midwest has to offer, Gravlax Hazy belongs on the short list.
