Hop Butcher Phantom Ripper 4Pk

Hop Butcher Phantom Ripper 4Pk is a five-hop India Pale Ale brewed in Chicago, Illinois, at 7.25% ABV. Rated 4.06 out of 5 on BeerAdvocate, this release from Hop Butcher For The World layers New Zealand Cascade, Simcoe, Citra, Mosaic, and Nelson Sauvin hops into a bold, citrus-drenched IPA that sits just shy of double IPA territory.
Quick Facts: ABV: 7.25%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: India Pale Ale  |  Brewery: Hop Butcher For The World
Production & Heritage
Hop Butcher For The World has built a devoted following in the Chicago craft beer scene with an aggressive rotation of hop-forward releases. Phantom Ripper was conceived as a showcase for five distinct hop varieties — NZ Cascade, Simcoe, Citra, Mosaic, and Nelson Sauvin — resulting in a clear, West Coast–inspired IPA that channels the brewery’s maximalist approach to hopping. At 7.25% ABV, it pushes right to the edge of double IPA strength, delivering serious hop intensity without crossing into heavy-hitting boozy territory.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Bright citrus peel and overripe mango lead, followed by gooseberry and dank herbal notes. The Nelson Sauvin and NZ Cascade contribute a distinctive white-wine-like fruitiness underneath the resinous hop character.
Taste: Juicy peach and citrus dominate the entry, quickly giving way to layers of tropical fruit and ripe melon across the mid-palate. A slightly resinous hop core anchors the sweetness, with Citra and Mosaic providing that signature citrus-tropical punch while Simcoe adds a piney, dank backbone.
Finish: Soft and pillowy, with lingering tropical fruit character and only subtle bitterness. The mouthfeel stays rounded rather than dry, letting the hop flavors fade gradually rather than dropping off.
How to Drink Phantom Ripper
Pour into a tulip glass or standard pint glass at 40–45°F to let the full hop aromatics open up. This IPA is built for drinking fresh and straight — its complexity and bold hop profile reward undivided attention. For a hop-spiked shandy, mix with fresh lemonade and a splash of grapefruit juice to amplify the citrus notes. A Beermosa works well here, pairing with fresh orange juice for a brunch serve that leans into the tropical profile. A Michelada-style build with lime, hot sauce, and Phantom Ripper makes an unexpectedly balanced pairing given the beer’s fruit-forward nature.
Best For
Hop-obsessed IPA drinkers exploring five-hop blends
Summer cookouts where bold, citrus-driven beer pairs with grilled food
Gifting to a craft beer enthusiast who follows Hop Butcher releases
Blind-tasting sessions comparing West Coast and hazy IPA styles
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Phantom Ripper taste like? Phantom Ripper delivers juicy peach and citrus up front, followed by tropical fruit, melon, and a slightly resinous hop core. The finish is soft with lasting tropical character and gentle bitterness.
How does Phantom Ripper compare to other Hop Butcher IPAs? While many Hop Butcher releases lean into the hazy, New England–style profile, Phantom Ripper is described as a clear, West Coast–inspired IPA, making it drier and more resinous than the brewery’s juicier offerings. Its five-hop blend and near-DIPA strength at 7.25% ABV also position it as one of the more complex single IPAs in the rotation.
Is Phantom Ripper good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — the layered hop profile and soft mouthfeel make it a rewarding standalone pour, especially when served slightly chilled in a tulip glass to maximize the aromatics.
Where is Phantom Ripper made? Phantom Ripper is brewed by Hop Butcher For The World in Chicago, Illinois. The brewery is known for its rotating lineup of hop-forward IPAs and pale ales distributed primarily in the greater Chicago area.
What foods pair well with Phantom Ripper? Grilled shrimp tacos with mango salsa echo the tropical hop character. Spicy Thai green curry benefits from the beer’s citrus sweetness cutting through the heat. A sharp aged cheddar contrasts the hop bitterness effectively. Fish and chips work as a classic pairing where the hop resin cuts through fried richness. Citrus-dressed arugula salad mirrors the beer’s bright, herbal aromatics.
What sizes does Phantom Ripper come in? Phantom Ripper is available as a 4-pack of cans, which is the standard format for Hop Butcher For The World’s rotating IPA releases.
Is Phantom Ripper worth the price? Phantom Ripper positions as a premium craft IPA from a brewery with strong critical recognition — BeerAdvocate rates it 4.06 out of 5 and Untappd users have scored it 4 out of 5 across 845 ratings. For a five-hop, near-double-IPA-strength beer from one of Chicago’s most in-demand breweries, it sits comfortably in the upper tier of craft IPA value.
Why Phantom Ripper?
Phantom Ripper stands out in Hop Butcher’s prolific rotation by committing to a five-hop recipe that bridges West Coast clarity with the tropical intensity the brewery is known for. The combination of NZ Cascade and Nelson Sauvin alongside American workhorses like Citra, Mosaic, and Simcoe creates a hop spectrum that moves from gooseberry and white grape into dank citrus resin — a range few single IPAs attempt. At 7.25% ABV, it carries near-DIPA weight without the boozy heat, landing in a sweet spot that rewards repeat pours. Community ratings on both BeerAdvocate and Untappd confirm that this release holds its own among a crowded field of hop-forward Chicago IPAs.