Phase Three Wai Lager 4Pk is a small-batch India Pale Lager (IPL) from Phase Three Brewing Company, packaged as a 4-pack of 16 oz cans. As one of the more respected craft breweries in Illinois's Lake County, Phase Three has earned a loyal following for hop-driven releases that prioritize flavor complexity over production volume.Quick Facts: Style: India Pale Lager (IPL) | Origin: Lake Zurich, Illinois | Format: 4 × 16 oz cans | Brewery: Phase Three Brewing CompanyProduction & HeritagePhase Three Brewing Company operates out of Lake Zurich, Illinois, and has grown into one of Lake County's largest and most respected craft breweries. The brewery's core philosophy centers on marrying hop flavors together — a principle that defines Wai Lager's India Pale Lager style, which bridges the hop intensity of an IPA with the clean, crisp fermentation character of a lager. Phase Three's commitment to small-batch production means each release, including Wai, reflects focused recipe development rather than volume-driven brewing.Tasting NotesAroma: Expect hop-forward aromatics typical of the IPL style — floral and citrus notes riding above a clean malt backbone. The lager yeast fermentation keeps the nose bright and free of fruity esters.Taste: The palate opens with a lean, snappy malt base that quickly yields to assertive hop bitterness. Mid-palate, the lager's crisp fermentation profile allows hop flavors to express themselves without the heavier body of a traditional IPA. The finish is drier than most pale ales, with hop character remaining front and center.Finish: Clean and moderately bitter, with lingering hop impressions that fade evenly. The lager yeast contributes a smooth, refreshing close that invites the next sip.How to Drink Wai LagerPour cold into a pilsner glass or clean pint glass at 38–42°F to let the hop aromatics bloom above the crisp lager body. Drinking straight from the can works for casual settings, but glassware improves the aromatic experience significantly. Michelada: The hop bitterness pairs well with lime, hot sauce, and tomato juice, adding a craft dimension to this classic. Beer-garita (Beer Margarita): Wai's dry, bitter profile contrasts well with the sweetness of a frozen margarita base. Shandy: Mix with fresh lemonade — the lager crispness keeps things refreshing while the hops add herbal depth. Best For IPA drinkers looking for a lighter-bodied, more crushable hop experience Warm-weather cookouts and outdoor gatherings where refreshment matters as much as flavor Introducing craft-curious lager drinkers to hop-forward styles Building a mixed craft beer sampler with a range of Illinois breweries Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Wai Lager taste like? Wai Lager delivers hop-forward bitterness and citrus-floral aromatics layered over a clean, crisp lager base. It drinks lighter and drier than a standard IPA while carrying more hop punch than a traditional lager.How does Wai Lager compare to a standard IPA? India Pale Lagers like Wai use lager yeast instead of ale yeast, producing a cleaner, crisper fermentation profile with less fruity ester character. The result is a beer where hop flavors read more distinctly against a leaner malt backdrop than in a typical hazy or West Coast IPA.Is Wai Lager good for sipping on its own? Yes — its IPL style strikes a balance between hop intensity and easy drinkability, making it well-suited for standalone enjoyment, especially when served cold in proper glassware.Where is Wai Lager made? Wai Lager is brewed by Phase Three Brewing Company in Lake Zurich, Illinois, located in the Lake County region northwest of Chicago. Phase Three is recognized as one of Lake County's largest and most respected craft breweries.What foods pair well with Wai Lager? Grilled chicken or fish tacos — the hops complement citrus salsas and charred flavors. Spicy Thai or Vietnamese dishes — the crisp lager body cools heat while hops echo herbal notes. Sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese — bitterness cuts through richness. Fried appetizers like calamari or tempura — carbonation and bitterness cleanse the palate between bites.What sizes does Wai Lager come in? Wai Lager is available in 4-packs of 16 oz cans, which is the standard format for this release.Is Wai Lager worth the price? Wai Lager positions as a small-batch craft release from a highly regarded Illinois brewery, placing it in the premium craft tier. For drinkers who value limited-production hop-forward lagers, the quality and brewery reputation support the investment.Why Wai Lager?The India Pale Lager category remains relatively niche, and Phase Three's approach — small-batch brewing with a focus on harmonizing hop flavors — gives Wai a specificity that mass-produced IPLs lack. Individual BeerAdvocate ratings have ranged up to 4.25, suggesting strong reception among craft beer enthusiasts. The 16 oz can format delivers a generous pour, and the lager's clean fermentation makes it one of the more sessionable hop-forward styles available. For anyone seeking the flavor intensity of an IPA with the refreshment of a well-made lager, Wai occupies a compelling middle ground.
