Foreign ExchaNge Fractured Sunset 4Pk

Foreign ExchaNge Fractured Sunset 4Pk is a Hazy Double IPA from Foreign Exchange Brewing Co. in Aurora, Illinois, clocking in at a robust 11.6% ABV and sold as a 4-pack. The brewery behind it earned the title of Best New Brewery in Illinois from PorchDrinking.com in 2020, establishing its reputation for experimental, boundary-pushing ales.

Quick Facts: ABV: 11.6%  |  Origin: Aurora, Illinois, USA  |  Style: Hazy Double IPA  |  Brewery: Foreign Exchange Brewing Co.

Production & Heritage

Foreign Exchange Brewing Co. has been operating out of Aurora, Illinois since 2016, with a focus on innovative small-batch and oak-aged ales. The brewery built its identity around experimentation, and Fractured Sunset sits squarely in that ethos as a hazy double IPA — a style defined by generous late-addition and dry-hop schedules that emphasize aromatic intensity over bitterness. At 11.6% ABV, this is a full-strength DIPA that demands respect in the glass, placing it at the upper end of the style's typical alcohol range.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: True to the hazy DIPA style, expect an aromatic rush of tropical fruit and citrus — ripe mango, stone fruit, and a suggestion of grapefruit zest. A soft, pillowy grain sweetness anchors the hop-forward nose.

Taste: The entry is lush and juicy, with pronounced tropical and citrus hop character that coats the palate. Mid-palate, a full malt body provides structure, balancing the hop intensity without veering into overt sweetness. The 11.6% ABV is well-integrated, adding warmth without harsh alcohol heat.

Finish: A lingering, resinous hop presence stays with you, complemented by soft bitterness and a hint of stone fruit. The finish is medium-long and drying, inviting another sip despite the elevated strength.

How to Drink Fractured Sunset

Pour into a tulip glass or stemless wine glass at around 45°F to open up the full aromatic spectrum — this beer rewards a deliberate pour that builds a modest head. At 11.6% ABV, sipping slowly is advisable. While hazy DIPAs are generally enjoyed on their own, Fractured Sunset's intensity can stand up in a Beer-a-Rita (blended with fresh lime juice and a salted rim) for a high-octane twist, a Michelada variation where the tropical hop character plays off hot sauce and tomato, or a Shandy mixed with fresh lemonade to temper the alcohol and create a dangerously drinkable warm-weather cooler.

Best For

• Sharing among hop-obsessed friends during a craft beer tasting night
• Pairing with a backyard cookout featuring bold, smoky flavors
• Gifting to a craft beer enthusiast who seeks out high-ABV hazy IPAs
• Celebrating a special occasion with a limited small-batch brew

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Fractured Sunset taste like? Fractured Sunset delivers the juicy, tropical hop profile characteristic of the hazy double IPA style, with prominent citrus and stone fruit flavors supported by a full malt body. The 11.6% ABV adds warmth but remains well-integrated within the beer's overall balance.

How does Fractured Sunset compare to other hazy double IPAs? At 11.6% ABV, Fractured Sunset runs hotter than many mainstream hazy DIPAs, which typically land between 7–9% ABV. Its small-batch production from a microbrewery also sets it apart from widely distributed options, offering a more limited, experimental character.

Is Fractured Sunset good for beginners? This is not an ideal starting point for someone new to craft beer — the 11.6% ABV and intense hop profile place it firmly in experienced-drinker territory. Newcomers to the hazy IPA style would benefit from starting with a lower-ABV single IPA before graduating to a double like this.

Where is Fractured Sunset made? Fractured Sunset is brewed by Foreign Exchange Brewing Co., a microbrewery located in Aurora, Illinois, in the greater Chicago metropolitan area. The brewery has been producing small-batch and experimental ales since 2016.

What foods pair well with Fractured Sunset? Spicy tacos al pastor work well, as the beer's tropical sweetness counterbalances chili heat. Smoked brisket or pulled pork stands up to the bold hop intensity. Sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese echoes the beer's assertive character. A mango-habanero salsa mirrors the tropical fruit notes, and rich, fatty burgers provide a textural contrast to the resinous hop finish.

What sizes does Fractured Sunset come in? Fractured Sunset is available as a 4-pack of cans, which is the standard retail format for this beer.

Is Fractured Sunset worth the price? Fractured Sunset positions as a premium small-batch craft offering, and its price reflects limited production from an independent microbrewery rather than large-scale distribution. For fans of high-ABV hazy DIPAs who value experimental brewing, it represents solid value within the specialty craft segment.

Why Fractured Sunset?

Foreign Exchange Brewing earned statewide recognition as Illinois's Best New Brewery in 2020 from PorchDrinking.com, and Fractured Sunset exemplifies the adventurous spirit that drove that acclaim. This is a double IPA brewed with small-batch precision at a brewery whose core identity revolves around experimentation and pushing style boundaries. The 11.6% ABV puts it in rarified territory — big enough to deliver deep hop complexity and malt richness, yet built to remain drinkable rather than boozy. For anyone seeking a Midwest-brewed hazy DIPA with genuine craft credibility, Fractured Sunset is a serious, full-throttle expression of the style.