Phase Three Mini Swells 4PK

Phase Three Mini Swells 4PK is a West Coast IPA from Phase Three Brewing Company in Lake Zurich, Illinois, brewed at 6.5% ABV. Part of the brewery’s Swells lineup, this expression stands out within a portfolio dominated by hazy IPAs and imperial stouts — a classically filtered, clear West Coast IPA from a Midwest brewery known for pushing stylistic boundaries.Quick Facts: ABV: 6.5%  |  Origin: Lake Zurich, Illinois  |  Style: West Coast IPA  |  Brewery: Phase Three Brewing CompanyProduction & HeritagePhase Three Brewing was founded by Ben Rossi in Lake Zurich, a northwest suburb of Chicago. The brewery built its reputation on heavily fruited ales, big imperial stouts, and hop-forward IPAs, making a traditional filtered West Coast IPA a deliberate contrast within its own range. Mini Swells is brewed with a blend of Midwest malted barley — pale and light crystal malts — and a three-hop combination of Simcoe, Centennial, and Citra added in the kettle. Phase Three’s own description highlights the heavy focus on “orange pulpy Simcoe with support from lemony Centennial and a little bit of tropical-forward Citra,” producing a beer with crystal clarity rather than the haze many Illinois craft breweries favor.Tasting NotesAroma: Pine resin and grapefruit zest arrive first, followed by crushed citrus peel and subtle tropical undertones. A light malt sweetness sits beneath the hop-driven aromatics without competing for attention.Taste: The entry is bright with orange and lemon citrus, transitioning at mid-palate into restrained tropical fruit from the Citra. A crisp, lean malt backbone provides just enough sweetness to balance the hop bitterness without veering into heaviness. The overall impression is clean and well-integrated.Finish: Dry and defined, with lingering hop bitterness that stays sharp without becoming astringent. Pine resin and a faint citrus echo carry through the close.How to Drink Mini SwellsPour into a pint glass or tulip at 40–45°F to let the hop aromatics open up fully. This is a beer built for straightforward enjoyment — no garnish or added complexity needed.
Alongside grilled fare: The dry, bitter profile cuts through charred and fatty flavors from burgers or sausages.
With spicy tacos: Citrus hop character and carbonation cleanse the palate between bites of spiced proteins.
As a session starter: At 6.5% ABV, it carries enough weight to stand on its own early in a tasting lineup without overwhelming what follows.
Best For
West Coast IPA enthusiasts exploring top Midwest breweries
Hop-forward beer fans who prefer clarity over haze
Backyard cookouts and casual outdoor gatherings
Introducing craft beer drinkers to the classic West Coast IPA style
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Mini Swells taste like? Mini Swells delivers a clean, hop-driven profile dominated by citrus — orange, lemon, and grapefruit — layered over a restrained malt base. The finish is dry and bitter in the traditional West Coast IPA style.How does Mini Swells compare to Double Swells? Double Swells is the Imperial IPA variant in the same lineup, running higher in ABV and leaning into a softer, more juice-forward profile. Mini Swells is leaner and drier, hewing closer to classic West Coast IPA structure with a sharper bitter finish.Is Mini Swells good for someone new to West Coast IPAs? Yes — its balanced malt sweetness keeps the bitterness approachable, and the prominent citrus hop character gives it an accessible flavor profile at a moderate 6.5% ABV.Where is Mini Swells made? Mini Swells is brewed at Phase Three Brewing Company in Lake Zurich, Illinois, a suburb northwest of Chicago. The brewery uses Midwest-sourced malted barley in its grain bill.What foods pair well with Mini Swells? Grilled chicken or fish tacos complement the citrus hop notes. Sharp cheddar or aged Gouda stand up to the bitterness. Spicy Thai dishes benefit from the beer’s carbonation and dry finish. Citrus-dressed salads echo the hop character without clashing.What sizes does Mini Swells come in? Mini Swells is available as a 4-pack of cans from Phase Three Brewing.Is Mini Swells worth the price? Phase Three positions within the premium craft tier, and Mini Swells represents a well-executed West Coast IPA from a brewery whose reputation was built on more extreme styles — making it a confident, focused offering within the style category.Why Mini Swells?Phase Three Brewing earned its following through imperial stouts and hazy, juice-bomb IPAs, which makes a filtered, traditional West Coast IPA a deliberate statement of range. The Simcoe-led hop bill gives Mini Swells a distinctive orange-and-pine signature that separates it from the Centennial-heavy or Mosaic-driven West Coast IPAs common elsewhere. The Midwest malt base keeps the body restrained and the finish clean — no residual sweetness muddying the hop expression. For drinkers looking for a no-frills, well-built West Coast IPA from a brewery that rarely plays it safe, Mini Swells delivers exactly that.