Oliphant Behind the Fart Side 4Pk is a Citra-hopped American pale ale from Oliphant Brewing in Somerset, Wisconsin, packaged as a 4-pack at 5% ABV. Part of the brewery’s whimsically named Fart Side line a nod to Gary Larson’s beloved The Far Side comic this pale ale leans into single-hop character with a focus on Citra, one of the most sought-after hop varieties in American craft brewing.
Quick Facts: ABV: 5% | Origin: Somerset, Wisconsin, USA | Style: American Pale Ale | Brewery: Oliphant Brewing
Production & Heritage
Oliphant Brewing operates out of Somerset, Wisconsin, a small St. Croix River valley town that has become a quiet outpost for Upper Midwest craft beer. Behind the Fart Side is brewed as a traditional American pale ale built around Citra hops, a variety prized for its intense citrus and tropical fruit aromatics. The single-hop approach lets Citra’s character come through cleanly without competing against other hop varieties, resulting in a straightforward, hop-forward pale ale that keeps its ABV sessionable at 5%.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Bright citrus jumps from the glass first orange peel and tangerine dominate, followed by a secondary layer of pine resin. The hop-forward nose is clean and inviting without heavy malt sweetness underneath.
Taste: The entry is crisp with immediate citrus lemon zest and ripe tangerine roll across the palate. Mid-palate brings a mild caramel malt backbone that provides just enough body to anchor the hops. Bitterness is present but restrained, landing in moderate territory rather than aggressive IPA levels.
Finish: Dry and refreshing with a lingering piney hop character and a light citrus echo. The finish clears quickly, encouraging the next sip without residual heaviness.
How to Drink Behind the Fart Side
Pour cold into a pint glass or drink straight from the can this pale ale is built for easy, no-fuss enjoyment. At 5% ABV, it holds up well across multiple rounds without palate fatigue. Its citrus-forward hop profile also makes it a versatile ingredient in beer cocktails: try it in a Shandy with fresh lemonade for a summer cooler, a Michelada where the citrus hops complement lime and hot sauce, or a Radler blended with grapefruit juice to amplify the Citra hop’s natural tropical lean.
Best For
Backyard cookouts and warm-weather afternoon sessions
Introducing hop-curious friends to American pale ale
Pairing with grilled foods where citrus brightness cuts through smoke and fat
Gifting to fans of The Far Side who also appreciate craft beer humor
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Behind the Fart Side taste like? It delivers a bright citrus profile orange, lemon, and tangerine supported by mild caramel malt and a clean, piney bitterness that stays balanced and refreshing.
How does Behind the Fart Side compare to other Citra-hopped pale ales? At 5% ABV, it sits lighter and more sessionable than many Citra-forward IPAs, which typically range from 67% ABV; the lower alcohol lets the hop aromatics lead without heavy malt or boozy warmth.
Is Behind the Fart Side good for beginners? Yes the moderate 5% ABV, restrained bitterness, and approachable citrus character make it a strong entry point for drinkers new to hop-forward American pale ales.
Where is Behind the Fart Side made? It is brewed by Oliphant Brewing in Somerset, Wisconsin, a small town in the St. Croix River valley in the western part of the state, near the Minnesota border.
What foods pair well with Behind the Fart Side? Grilled chicken with citrus marinade mirrors the beer’s hop profile; fish tacos with lime slaw complement its bright acidity; smoked cheddar balances the bitterness; a simple margherita pizza lets the hop character shine; and spicy Thai noodles are tempered by the ale’s clean malt backbone.
What sizes does Behind the Fart Side come in? It is available as a 4-pack, which is the standard retail format for this expression from Oliphant Brewing.
Is Behind the Fart Side worth the price? It positions as an approachable craft pale ale in the everyday drinking tier a solid value for a single-hop Citra beer from an independent Wisconsin brewery, competitive with similarly styled regional pale ales.
Why Behind the Fart Side?
The single-hop Citra focus gives this beer a clarity of flavor that many multi-hop pale ales sacrifice in pursuit of complexity. At 5% ABV, it occupies a sessionable sweet spot that heavier IPAs can’t match for all-afternoon drinkability. Oliphant Brewing’s small-batch Wisconsin production keeps distribution tight, making it a regional standout rather than a mass-market commodity. For drinkers who want clean, citrus-driven hop character without the alcohol punch of a full IPA, this pale ale delivers exactly that with a label that earns a laugh on the way.