Beer Review: Ninja Vs. Unicorn

Reviewing the Ninja Vs. Unicorn from Pipeworks Brewing Company, a new brewery out of Chicago.
Score: 93

2012 vintage bottle served in a pint glass and enjoyed on 03/09/12. Thank you BeerAdvocate user RobbieMoy13 for sharing this bottle with me.

Appearance: Pours a transparent-ish golden honey color with two fingers of sea-foam head that ultimately settles into a thin layer atop the glass. Above average lacing, superior retention. 4.5/5

Smell: Sticky, resiny pine sap and fresh grapefruit dominate the first pull. There's tons of lemon zest, tangerine, and pineapple. Floral hops, freshly cut grass and candied citrus too. There is definitely an orange peel aroma as well, in addition to honey. Maybe a little bit of rose petal. This is a very pleasant smelling imperial IPA. 4.5/5

Taste: Fresh grapefruit, tangerine, pineapple juice, honey and orange juice. Lots of juicy citrus and lemon grass coat the midpalate. Some candied orange and a light amount of bready malt as well. The hops here are really light and grassy, maybe a little floral. Not a hop bomb by any means. This brew is smooth and refreshing. This is a really juicy IPA, not unlike the Double Daisy Cutter -- albeit it with more consistent flavor throughout. The bitterness level is pitch perfect for the style of IPA. 8.5% ABV is completely hidden. Finishes with a piney citrus flavor. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied, medium carbonation. Oily, juicy mouthfeel. Finishes slightly malty, a bit dry and modestly bitter. 4/5

Overall: I had never heard of this brewery until Robbie brought over a bottle, but this new Chicago brewery is most certainly on my radar now. The label for this beer is absolutely one of the coolest that I have ever seen on a beer bottle. Beyond the artwork, however, is a really stellar juicy-style imperial IPA. Very flavorful, very refreshing. I would absolutely buy this one again if it was not so damn hard to find (apparently).

Recommendation: Seek this beer out. Even casual beer drinkers should enjoy this one.

Pairings: Kuma's Corner hamburgers.

Cost: $9.99 for a 22 oz (bomber) bottle.