Pipeworks Close Encounter 4Pk

Pipeworks Close Encounter 4Pk is a Black IPA (Cascadian Dark Ale) from Chicago's Pipeworks Brewing Company, sold in a 4-pack at 6.0% ABV. With over 20,700 ratings on Untappd and a solid 3.8 out of 5 score, this dark-hopped hybrid has earned a loyal following among craft beer drinkers drawn to its unlikely fusion of roasty malt depth and aggressive hop character.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6.0%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Black IPA / Cascadian Dark Ale  |  Brewery: Pipeworks Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Pipeworks Brewing Company launched in Chicago with an unconventional philosophy: brew one-off beers aimed at dedicated beer connoisseurs, releasing a new creation nearly every week. That gypsy-brewing ethos — originally built on never making the same exact beer twice — gave the brewery a reputation for restless creativity. Close Encounter channels that spirit through a malt bill of 2-row, Caramel 80, Chocolate malt, Roasted Barley, and Midnight Wheat, hopped with Chinook, Zythos, and Falconer's Flight. The grain bill provides the inky-dark color and roast backbone, while the hop trio layers resinous bitterness alongside tropical and citrus aromatics.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark-roasted coffee and bittersweet chocolate lead the nose, followed by a wave of citrus and faint floral hop notes. Underneath, molasses sweetness and a dusting of black pepper add complexity.

Taste: The entry delivers smooth chocolate and dark grain flavors that transition quickly into a bright mid-palate burst of orange and tangerine citrus from the Falconer's Flight and Zythos hops. Roasted barley anchors the center while caramel malt provides a subtle sweetness that balances the hop bitterness at its peak. The interplay between dark malt and hop oils keeps each sip dynamic rather than one-dimensional.

Finish: Medium in length with a dry, bitter close built on pine resin, roasted grain, and lingering black coffee. A peppery hop bite and faint mint-like coolness round out the tail end, inviting the next sip.

How to Drink Close Encounter

Close Encounter drinks best at around 45–50°F, cold enough to keep the hop aromatics crisp but warm enough to let the roast character fully develop. Pouring into a tulip glass concentrates the coffee-citrus aroma and reveals the beer's deep mahogany-black color. For cocktail-adjacent serves, try these: a Black Velvet variation, layering Close Encounter over dry sparkling cider for a roasty-tart contrast; a Beer-a-Misu float, pairing a scoop of vanilla gelato with the beer's chocolate-coffee malt for a dessert-style serve; or a Michelada Negra, mixing it with lime, hot sauce, and Worcestershire for a savory twist that plays off the pepper and roast notes.

Best For

• Introducing hop-forward drinkers to darker beer styles without sacrificing bitterness
• Fall and winter cookout sessions where lighter IPAs feel out of place
• Sharing with a craft beer enthusiast exploring Chicago's brewing scene
• Pairing nights alongside grilled meats and bold, smoky dishes

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Close Encounter taste like? Close Encounter combines roasted coffee and bittersweet chocolate from its dark malt bill with bright orange-citrus and piney hop flavors from Chinook, Zythos, and Falconer's Flight hops. It finishes dry with pepper and a lingering roast bitterness.

How does Close Encounter compare to Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA? Both are Black IPAs that balance dark malt roast with assertive hop bitterness, but Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous typically comes in at a higher ABV (around 8.7%) with a more aggressive, resinous hop profile. Close Encounter at 6.0% ABV is notably more sessionable and leans further into its chocolate and coffee malt character.

Is Close Encounter good for IPA drinkers new to dark styles? Yes — the 6.0% ABV keeps it approachable, and the prominent citrus and pine hop presence gives IPA fans a familiar foothold while the roasty malt introduces stout-like flavors without heavy body.

Where is Close Encounter made? Close Encounter is brewed by Pipeworks Brewing Company in Chicago, Illinois. Pipeworks was founded as a gypsy brewery known for releasing one-off craft beers and has since become one of Chicago's most recognized independent brewing operations.

What foods pair well with Close Encounter? Smoked brisket complements the beer's roast and pepper notes. Dark chocolate brownies mirror the malt bill's chocolate character. Sharp aged cheddar contrasts the hop bitterness with savory richness. Blackened fish tacos work well against the citrus hop profile. Coffee-rubbed pork ribs echo the roasted barley and create a cohesive flavor bridge.

What sizes does Close Encounter come in? Close Encounter is primarily available in a 4-pack format, which is the standard retail configuration for this release from Pipeworks.

Is Close Encounter worth the price? Close Encounter positions as a mid-range craft offering, which is reasonable for a specialty Black IPA from an established Chicago brewery with a complex grain bill and multi-hop recipe. The style itself is harder to find than a standard IPA, adding value for drinkers seeking variety.

Why Close Encounter?

Black IPAs occupy a narrow but passionate niche in craft beer, and Close Encounter is one of the more balanced and accessible examples on the market. The five-grain malt bill — including the less common Midnight Wheat — produces a rich dark color and chocolate-coffee depth without the heavy, syrupy body that can plague the style. Pipeworks' hop selection keeps the citrus and pine character front and center, ensuring this drinks like an IPA that happens to be dark rather than a stout pretending to be hoppy. With a 3.8 Untappd rating backed by over 20,700 reviews, it has proven staying power in a category where many beers come and go.