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One eye-catching can has been turning heads and changing expectations: Pipeworks Brewing Co.’s Ninja vs. Unicorn is being praised by bartenders and drinkers for tasting much smoother than its appearance and brewing numbers would suggest. Atlanta beverage manager Kevin Horan recently flagged the beer as a standout for hop lovers who want bold flavor without harsh bitterness.
What the beer actually is
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Ninja vs. Unicorn is a double IPA poured unfiltered, presenting a hazy golden color and an aromatic profile that leans fruity and floral rather than resinous. Although the brew carries a substantial alcohol level and an aggressive-looking hop bill, many tasters report a creamy mouthfeel and an easy finish.
Horan says the beer’s balance is what sets it apart: despite heavy hopping, the bitterness doesn’t dominate, so it feels approachable in social settings where more assertive IPAs might overpower food or conversation.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Brew | Pipeworks Brewing Co. — Ninja vs. Unicorn |
| Style | Double IPA, unfiltered |
| Alcohol | 8% ABV |
| Reported bitterness | High on paper (reports of ~150 IBU), but perceived bitterness is much lower |
| Hop charge | Heavy—more than five pounds of hops per barrel in some batches |
| Tasting highlights | Grapefruit and tropical fruit notes, light pine, creamy mouthfeel |
Why so much hop but so little bite?
Modern IPA techniques let brewers push hop quantity and still deliver a round, juicy character. Haze from an unfiltered pour and late-hop additions can amplify fruity aromas while muting sharp bitterness, which helps explain why many drinkers find this beer unexpectedly smooth.
Online reaction has reinforced that view: fans praise the balance and note it wears its intensity well—bold-looking can art and robust numbers, but an accessible drinking experience.
How to serve and what to pair it with
Horan recommends pouring this beer in a relaxed setting—picnic, backyard game day or a party—where its can art and aroma can draw interest and conversation.
- Good savory matches: chorizo cheese dip, buffalo chicken bacon ranch dip, spicy sausages.
- Counterpoint desserts: apple pie with ice cream—its fruity hop character complements baked fruit and vanilla.
- Seasonal meals: works with holiday dishes that have both richness and spice, such as roasted turkey with gravy.
For drinkers who closely follow brewing trends, Ninja vs. Unicorn illustrates a larger shift: breweries are crafting beers with extreme-looking specs that remain drinkable for a wider audience. That has implications for what to expect from IPAs this year—more hop-forward aroma and flavor without the harsh aftertaste that used to be a hallmark of high-IBU brews.
Whether you’re stocking for a get-together or simply curious about contemporary hop-forward beers, this one is worth sampling to judge the balance for yourself.
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