Phase Three Swells 4Pk is a West Coast IPA from Phase Three Brewing Company in Lake Zurich, Illinois, packaged as a four-pack at 6.5% ABV. Built on a trio of Simcoe, Centennial, and Citra hops over a restrained malt backbone, Swells has earned a solid 3.9 out of 5 rating on Untappd across nearly 1,500 reviews — a strong showing for a regional West Coast release. Quick Facts: ABV: 6.5% | Origin: Lake Zurich, Illinois | Style: West Coast IPA | Brewery: Phase Three Brewing Company Production & Heritage Phase Three Brewing Company operates out of Lake Zurich, Illinois, and has built a devoted following for hop-forward and mixed-culture beers alike. Swells is brewed with Midwest malted barley using a focused malt bill of pale and light crystal malts — just enough to provide structure without distracting from the hops. The combination of Citra, Simcoe, and Centennial creates a layered hop profile that bridges old-school piney bitterness with modern tropical aromatics, anchoring the beer firmly in the West Coast IPA tradition. Tasting Notes Aroma: Waves of pine resin and grapefruit zest greet the nose immediately. Behind the initial burst, crushed citrus peel and subtle tropical fruit round out the bouquet, with a light malt sweetness hovering beneath. Taste: The entry is bright with orange and lemon flavors that quickly give way to a tropical mid-palate driven by the Citra hop character. A crisp malt backbone provides measured sweetness at the center, while assertive hop bitterness builds steadily and takes command toward the peak. Finish: Clean and dry, exactly as a West Coast IPA should land. Lingering hop bitterness stays on the palate without becoming harsh, leaving a faint impression of grapefruit rind and resinous pine. How to Drink Swells Swells is best served cold — around 40–45°F — in a pint glass or tulip to let the hop aromatics open up. It drinks exceptionally well straight from the can on a warm afternoon, but rewards a proper pour for anyone who wants the full citrus-and-pine nose. Best For West Coast IPA loyalists exploring quality Midwest interpretations of the style Backyard cookouts and grilling sessions where clean hop bitterness cuts through rich food Sharing a four-pack with friends who appreciate classic American hop profiles IPA drinkers looking to branch beyond hazy styles into something with crystal clarity and defined bitterness Frequently Asked Questions What does Swells taste like? Swells delivers bright citrus and tropical fruit flavors — orange, lemon, and hints of passionfruit — balanced by firm hop bitterness and a clean, dry finish with lingering pine resin character. How does Swells compare to Firestone Walker Union Jack IPA? Both are classic West Coast IPAs featuring Simcoe and Centennial hops, but Swells runs at 6.5% ABV compared to Union Jack's 7.5%, making it a slightly more sessionable option. Swells leans a touch more tropical from its Citra addition, while Union Jack is often cited as a benchmark for aggressive pine and grapefruit bitterness. Is Swells good for IPA beginners? At 6.5% ABV with balanced bitterness, Swells is more approachable than many West Coast IPAs, though its dry finish and assertive hop presence still lean toward experienced IPA drinkers rather than total newcomers to the style. Where is Swells made? Swells is brewed at Phase Three Brewing Company, located at 932 Donata Court in Lake Zurich, Illinois, a northern suburb of Chicago known for a growing craft beer scene. What foods pair well with Swells? Grilled burgers or bratwurst complement the hop bitterness with charred, savory fat. Fish tacos with lime slaw echo the beer's citrus character. Sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese stands up to the bold hop flavors. Spicy Thai or Mexican dishes are tamed by the clean malt backbone and carbonation. What sizes does Swells come in? Swells is available as a four-pack of cans, which is the standard retail format for this release. Is Swells worth the price? Swells positions as a craft-tier West Coast IPA from a respected independent brewery, and its 3.9 Untappd rating across nearly 1,500 reviews suggests strong consumer approval for the quality delivered at its price point. Why Swells? In an era dominated by hazy, juice-bomb IPAs, Swells is a deliberate return to what made West Coast IPA a landmark American style: clarity, bitterness, and unapologetic hop flavor. The combination of Citra, Simcoe, and Centennial hops delivers complexity that many single- or double-hop West Coast IPAs cannot match, layering tropical fruit over a foundation of grapefruit and pine. Phase Three's disciplined malt bill — pale and light crystal only — keeps the focus squarely on the hops without any cloying sweetness. For anyone who believes West Coast IPA never went out of style, Swells is a Midwest brewery proving the point with precision.
