Phase Three Kawaii 4Pk is a hazy Imperial/Double New England IPA brewed by Phase Three Brewing Company in Lake Zurich, Illinois, at 7.7% ABV. This hop-forward release has earned an 89 on BeerAdvocate and a 4.1 out of 5 on Untappd, reflecting the cult following that Phase Three has built across the greater Chicago area.Quick Facts: ABV: 7.7% | Origin: Lake Zurich, Illinois | Style: Imperial / Double New England Hazy IPA | Brewery: Phase Three Brewing Company | Format: 4-PackProduction & HeritagePhase Three Brewing Company operates out of Lake Zurich, Illinois, and has been described by the Chicago Tribune as having "developed one of the most fervent fan bases in the Chicago area." Kawaii is stuffed with Nelson Sauvin and Citra hops — a pairing that bridges New Zealand's white-wine-like hop character with Citra's punchy tropical citrus. The can art itself carries cultural significance: Phase Three's co-owner designed Kawaii's label to celebrate her AAPI heritage, making this release a personal statement from the tight-knit team behind the brewery.Tasting NotesAroma: Tropical fruit leads immediately — ripe mango and tender papaya rise from the glass, followed by a bright citrus layer of orange and tangerine. A subtle white-wine-like quality from the Nelson Sauvin hops adds a distinctive aromatic lift.Taste: The entry is plush and juicy, with a deluge of orange and tangerine that moves quickly into ripe mango and papaya at the mid-palate. The body is notably syrupy and thick for the style, carrying hints of ruby red grapefruit and pineapple as it develops. Peripheral notes of passionfruit add complexity without disrupting the core tropical wave.Finish: Crisp and cooling, with a character that some drinkers liken to a white wine spritzer — a hallmark of the Nelson Sauvin hop. The tropical fruit impression lingers without turning bitter or astringent, leaving a clean and refreshing close.How to Drink KawaiiKawaii drinks best poured cold into a tulip glass or wide-mouthed pint, which concentrates the aromatic hops and showcases its haze. This is a beer designed to be enjoyed fresh, so refrigerate on arrival and drink sooner rather than later. Radler-style blend: Mix a small pour with fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice over ice for a sessionable warm-weather drink that amplifies the citrus notes. Beer Margarita: Combine with tequila blanco, lime, and agave — the mango and papaya character of Kawaii makes it a natural substitute for a tropical mixer. Michelada variation: Use Kawaii in place of a standard lager for a tropical twist, where its thick body and citrus punch stand up to hot sauce and lime. Best For Sharing with friends who follow the hazy IPA movement Gifting to a craft beer enthusiast who appreciates limited Illinois releases Backyard cookouts and warm-weather gatherings where bold tropical flavors shine Exploring the Nelson Sauvin hop profile alongside a more familiar Citra backbone Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Kawaii taste like? Kawaii delivers a dense, juicy tropical profile dominated by mango, papaya, orange, and tangerine, with supporting notes of pineapple and passionfruit. The body is notably thick and syrupy for the style, finishing crisp and clean with a white-wine-like quality from the Nelson Sauvin hops.How does Kawaii compare to other hazy DIPAs? Kawaii sits at 7.7% ABV — slightly lower than many imperial hazies that push past 8% — which keeps it more drinkable while still delivering full-bodied intensity. The use of Nelson Sauvin alongside Citra gives it a distinctive white-wine and gooseberry edge that separates it from hazies relying solely on American hop varieties.Is Kawaii good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — the lush tropical character and creamy mouthfeel make it highly enjoyable straight from the glass. Pouring into a tulip or stemmed glass enhances the aromatic experience considerably.Where is Kawaii made? Kawaii is brewed by Phase Three Brewing Company in Lake Zurich, Illinois, a suburb northwest of Chicago. Phase Three has built a devoted regional following for its hop-forward and pastry-style releases.What foods pair well with Kawaii? Spicy Thai dishes like green papaya salad complement the tropical hop flavors. Fish tacos with mango salsa echo the beer's fruit-forward profile. Grilled shrimp with citrus glaze mirrors the orange and tangerine notes. A mild, creamy cheese like burrata provides textural contrast to the hop bitterness. Poke bowls with fresh tuna and avocado align naturally with the bright, juicy character.What sizes does Kawaii come in? Kawaii is available as a 4-pack of cans, which is the standard retail format for this release from Phase Three Brewing Company.Is Kawaii worth the price? Kawaii positions as a premium craft release from a brewery with a strong cult reputation in the Chicago area. Its BeerAdvocate score of 89 and Untappd rating of 4.1 out of 5 reflect consistent quality, and the Nelson Sauvin and Citra hop combination delivers a distinctive profile that justifies its place in the upper tier of hazy DIPAs.Why Kawaii?Kawaii stands out in a crowded hazy IPA landscape for two clear reasons: its hop bill and its story. The Nelson Sauvin and Citra combination produces a tropical profile with a white-wine-like edge that most Citra-only or Mosaic-driven hazies simply don't achieve. The can art, designed by Phase Three's co-owner to honor her AAPI heritage, adds a layer of intention and identity rarely seen in craft beer packaging. Backed by an 89 on BeerAdvocate and a 4.1 on Untappd, Kawaii delivers on both flavor and credibility from a brewery the Chicago Tribune recognized for building one of the area's most passionate followings.
