Hop Butcher Tom Freaking Skilling 4Pk

Hop Butcher Tom Freaking Skilling 4Pk is a limited-release hazy IPA from Hop Butcher For The World, brewed at 6.5% ABV and packaged in a 4-pack of 16oz cans. Created as a tribute to legendary Chicago meteorologist Tom Skilling upon his retirement after 45 years at WGN, this commemorative brew carries a 4.4 out of 5 rating on BeerAdvocate.
Quick Facts: ABV: 6.5%  |  Origin: Bedford Park, Illinois  |  Style: Hazy IPA  |  Brewery: Hop Butcher For The World
Production & Heritage
Hop Butcher For The World, based in Bedford Park, Illinois, has earned a reputation as one of the Midwest’s most sought-after hazy IPA producers. Tom Freaking Skilling uses a triple-hop bill of Amarillo, Nelson Sauvin, and Citra — a combination that bridges the juicy, tropical character of a New England IPA with a West Coast–leaning dank edge. The beer was released in limited quantities to mark Tom Skilling’s retirement from WGN, with artwork created by Chicago-based artist Dan Grzeca; hundreds of cases sold out within four days of release.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Ripe tropical fruit and citrus zest dominate the nose, driven by the Citra and Nelson Sauvin hops. Underneath, subtle notes of white grape and resinous pine emerge as the beer warms.
Taste: The entry is soft and juicy with bright citrus and tropical fruit — classic hazy IPA territory. Mid-palate, the Nelson Sauvin contributes a distinctive gooseberry and white wine character, while the Amarillo adds tangerine depth. A dank, piney undercurrent keeps the sweetness in check, giving the beer more complexity than a straightforward juice bomb.
Finish: Light-bodied with a mouthwatering, dry close that invites the next sip. A gentle bitterness lingers alongside fading citrus peel and a whisper of herbal hop resin.
How to Drink Tom Freaking Skilling
Pour into a tulip glass or wide-mouthed pint to release the full aromatic profile; drink fresh and cold, ideally within weeks of purchase, as hop-forward beers lose vibrancy over time. This hazy IPA is best enjoyed on its own or alongside casual food — its juicy, citrus-driven character pairs naturally with tacos, grilled chicken, or a classic cheeseburger.
Best For
Chicago beer enthusiasts collecting limited Hop Butcher releases
Gifting a fellow Tom Skilling or WGN fan with a one-of-a-kind tribute beer
Sharing with friends during a backyard cookout or game day gathering
Hazy IPA lovers exploring top-rated Midwest craft breweries
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Tom Freaking Skilling taste like? It delivers juicy citrus and tropical fruit up front with a distinctive gooseberry note from the Nelson Sauvin hops, finishing with dank pine bitterness and a mouthwatering, dry close.
How does Tom Freaking Skilling compare to Double Grid? Both are flagship-caliber hazy IPAs from Hop Butcher For The World, but Tom Freaking Skilling sits at a sessionable 6.5% ABV and leans into the Nelson Sauvin’s white wine and gooseberry character, while Double Grid is a double IPA with higher intensity and a heavier body.
Is Tom Freaking Skilling good for hazy IPA beginners? At 6.5% ABV with a soft, juicy profile and restrained bitterness, it is an approachable entry point for anyone new to the hazy IPA style.
Where is Tom Freaking Skilling made? It is brewed by Hop Butcher For The World at their facility in Bedford Park, Illinois, a suburb just southwest of Chicago.
What foods pair well with Tom Freaking Skilling? Fish tacos complement the citrus hop character; spicy Thai curry plays off the tropical fruit notes; a classic smash burger matches the beer’s easygoing body; sharp cheddar provides a savory counterpoint to the juicy hops; and grilled shrimp echoes the beer’s bright, clean finish.
What sizes does Tom Freaking Skilling come in? It is available as a 4-pack of 16oz cans, which is the standard format for Hop Butcher For The World’s limited releases.
Is Tom Freaking Skilling worth the price? As a limited commemorative release that sold out in days and carries a 4.4 rating on BeerAdvocate, it positions as a premium collectible craft beer that delivers strong drinking quality alongside its cultural significance to Chicago.
Why Tom Freaking Skilling?
This is not just another hazy IPA — it is a genuine piece of Chicago cultural memorabilia in liquid form, marking the end of Tom Skilling’s 45-year tenure as the city’s most beloved weatherman. The triple-hop combination of Amarillo, Nelson Sauvin, and Citra creates a layered, drinking experience that earned a 4.4 on BeerAdvocate and a 4.3 on Untappd from nearly a thousand ratings. Its rapid sellout — hundreds of cases gone in four days — underscores both the brewery’s cult following and the beer’s limited availability. For fans of Hop Butcher’s meticulous approach to hazy IPAs, or anyone with a soft spot for Chicago broadcasting history, this release occupies rare ground where craft beer and local culture intersect.