Pipeworks Brewing Ninja vs. Unicorn: A Beer Review
Pipeworks Brewing Company's Ninja vs. Unicorn is an iconic Midwest Double IPA known for balancing bold hop flavor with high drinkability. Featuring an eight percent alcohol content, the beer combines bright citrus and tropical fruit notes with a resinous pine character and a firm malt backbone.
Pipeworks Brewing Company’s Ninja vs. Unicorn is an iconic Midwest Double IPA known for balancing bold hop flavor with high drinkability. Featuring an eight percent alcohol content, the beer combines bright citrus and tropical fruit notes with a resinous pine character and a firm malt backbone.
The review highlights the beer’s ability to maintain classic hop-forward bitterness without becoming abrasive or overly sweet. Its smooth mouthfeel, hidden alcohol heat, and balanced profile reinforce its status as a benchmark offering within the style.
Pipeworks Brewing Ninja vs. Unicorn Review
When discussing iconic Midwest IPAs, it’s impossible not to bring up Pipeworks Brewing Company’s Ninja vs. Unicorn. This beer has built a cult following over the years and helped establish Pipeworks as one of the premier craft breweries in the Chicago area. While many Double IPAs overwhelm drinkers with bitterness or alcohol heat, Ninja vs. Unicorn strikes an impressive balance between big hop flavors, juicy fruit notes, and a dangerously drinkable finish.
Beer Stats
- Brewery: Pipeworks Brewing Company (Chicago, Illinois)
- Style: Imperial IPA / Double IPA
- ABV: 8.0%
- IBU: 150
- BeerAdvocate Score: 95 (World-Class), 4.27/5 average
- Untappd Score: 4.09/5 (145,000+ ratings)
Appearance
Ninja vs. Unicorn pours a hazy golden-orange color with a thick white head that hangs around for a while. The beer isn’t crystal clear like a traditional West Coast IPA, but it’s not a modern juice bomb either. Lacing clings nicely to the glass throughout the pour, giving it a classic Double IPA presentation.
Aroma
The nose explodes with grapefruit, orange, mango, and tropical fruit. Beneath the fruit-forward notes is a layer of pine resin and floral hop character that reminds you this is still a serious IPA. The aroma is bold and inviting without coming across as overly sweet.
Taste
This is where Ninja vs. Unicorn earns its reputation. Bright citrus flavors take center stage with grapefruit, orange peel, and tropical fruit leading the way. Pine and resin develop in the middle of the palate before a firm bitterness arrives in the finish. Despite the massive 150 IBU rating, the bitterness never feels harsh because of the beer’s strong malt backbone and juicy hop character.
At 8% ABV, there’s a touch of sweetness, but the hops remain the star throughout. Every sip delivers complexity while maintaining excellent drinkability for a Double IPA.
Mouthfeel
Medium-full bodied with a smooth, slightly creamy texture. Carbonation is moderate, providing enough lift to keep the beer from feeling heavy. The alcohol is remarkably well-hidden, which is both a compliment and a warning. Ninja vs. Unicorn drinks easier than its 8% ABV would suggest.
Overall
Ninja vs. Unicorn has remained relevant for more than a decade because it captures what makes a great Double IPA. Big hop aroma, bold flavor, substantial bitterness, and enough malt support to keep everything balanced. While many modern IPAs have drifted toward softness and sweetness, this beer still embraces its hop-forward roots without becoming abrasive.
For craft beer fans who appreciate classic American hop character, Ninja vs. Unicorn remains one of the benchmark Midwest Double IPAs. It’s a beer that lives up to its legendary status and one I find myself returning to whenever I want a reminder of why I fell in love with the style in the first place.
Final Score
4.75 / 5: A modern craft beer classic. Huge citrus and tropical hop flavors, balanced bitterness, and exceptional drinkability make Ninja vs. Unicorn one of the best widely available Double IPAs on the market. A must-try for hop lovers.