Phase Three Nectar 4Pk is an imperial fruited sour ale from Phase Three Brewing in Lake Zurich, Illinois, packaged as a four-pack at 7.8% ABV. This release builds on one of the brewery's most popular series, amplifying tropical fruit intensity with a smoothie-like body 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 | Brewery: Phase Three Brewing Production & Heritage Phase Three Brewing operates as a microbrewery in Lake Zurich, Illinois, with a focus on three pillars: hop-forward ales, big imperial stouts, and heavily fruited sours. Nectar represents the imperial tier of their fruited sour program, stepping up the base Nectar concept with a higher ABV and more concentrated tropical fruit additions. The result is a thicker, smoothie-style mouthfeel that distinguishes it from lighter session sours, leaning into the brewery's reputation for pushing fruit-forward intensity. Tasting Notes Aroma: Ripe guava and mango dominate the nose immediately, followed by a bright wave of pineapple and citrus. There is a jammy, almost nectarine-like sweetness underneath that reinforces the tropical character. Taste: The entry is lush and fruit-forward, with guava and mango hitting first in a sweet, pulpy rush. Mid-palate, pineapple tartness cuts through, joined by notes of apricot and orange that add citrus complexity. The mouthfeel is notably thick and smoothie-like, giving the fruit flavors a creamy, full-bodied platform. Finish: A balanced tangy tartness lingers without becoming astringent, keeping the sweetness in check. The tropical fruit character fades gradually, leaving behind a clean, slightly tart citrus impression. How to Drink Nectar Pour cold into a tulip glass or stemless wine glass to concentrate the tropical aromatics; this beer is best enjoyed fresh and without delay. A Michelada variation works well here, as the existing fruit tartness plays naturally against lime and hot sauce. A Shandy built with a small pour of fresh lemonade amplifies the citrus dimension without overwhelming the base. For a brunch-ready serve, a Beer Mimosa — splitting a glass between Nectar and fresh orange juice — capitalizes on the smoothie-like body. Best For Introducing craft beer drinkers to the imperial fruited sour style Summer cookouts and outdoor gatherings where bold, refreshing flavors shine Sharing among friends splitting a four-pack of limited-release beer Gifting to a fan of tropical, fruit-heavy ales Frequently Asked Questions What does Phase Three Nectar taste like? Nectar delivers an intensely tropical profile led by guava, mango, and pineapple, with a thick, smoothie-like mouthfeel balanced by moderate tartness. It leans sweet but finishes with enough acidity to keep each sip refreshing. How does Nectar compare to Phase Three Double Nectar? Nectar serves as the imperial expression of the series, while Double Nectar pushes the concept further with even more concentrated fruit additions and often features rotating fruit combinations like mango-lemon or apricot-pineapple-orange. Both share the signature smoothie-style body, but Double Nectar tends to be more intense and limited in availability. Is Nectar good for sipping on its own? Yes — the 7.8% ABV is approachable enough for casual drinking, while the layered tropical fruit profile and creamy mouthfeel reward slow, attentive sipping from a proper glass. Where is Phase Three Nectar made? Nectar is brewed at Phase Three Brewing, a microbrewery located in Lake Zurich, Illinois, a suburb northwest of Chicago. The brewery specializes in hop-driven ales, imperial stouts, and heavily fruited sour ales. What foods pair well with Nectar? Grilled shrimp tacos with mango salsa complement the tropical fruit notes directly. Coconut-crusted fish mirrors the beer's lush sweetness. A fresh ceviche echoes the citrus tartness. Creamy goat cheese or burrata provides a rich, neutral backdrop that lets the fruit character lead. Thai green papaya salad matches the sweet-tart balance note for note. What sizes does Nectar come in? This release is sold as a four-pack of cans, which is the standard retail format for Phase Three's fruited sour series. Is Nectar worth the price? Nectar positions as a premium craft release from a highly regarded microbrewery with limited distribution, which places it above everyday sour ales in both quality and price tier. The imperial-strength fruit intensity and consistently high user ratings support its standing in the upper tier of the fruited sour category. Why Nectar? Phase Three has built a focused reputation around maximizing fruit character in sour ales, and Nectar is the expression that best represents that philosophy at a drinkable strength. The 7.8% ABV hits a sweet spot — strong enough to carry imperial-level fruit concentration, but restrained enough to enjoy across a full four-pack. With a 4.30 average rating from nearly 2,900 reviews, this is not a niche curiosity but a consistently well-regarded release within the competitive fruited sour landscape. For drinkers drawn to tropical, smoothie-style sours with genuine depth, Nectar delivers without relying on gimmick.
