Destihl Evel Knievel IPA 4Pk

Destihl Evel Knievel IPA 4Pk is a bold Imperial IPA brewed in Illinois, packaged as a 4-pack of 16oz cans at 9% ABV. This daredevil-branded double IPA channels the fearless spirit of its namesake through an unapologetically aggressive hop profile and higher-than-standard alcohol content that puts it squarely in big IPA territory.

Quick Facts: ABV: 9%  |  Origin: Normal, Illinois, USA  |  Style: Imperial IPA  |  Brewery: Destihl Brewery

Production & Heritage

Destihl Brewery was founded in 2007 by Matt Potts and operates out of Normal, Illinois, where it has built a reputation for adventurous brewing across styles — from its acclaimed Wild Sour Series to hop-forward ales. The Evel Knievel IPA is produced under license with the Evel Knievel estate, pairing the legendary stuntman's brand identity with an Imperial IPA that pushes ABV to 9%. As an Imperial (or Double) IPA, this beer uses an amplified grain bill and generous hopping schedule to achieve its bigger body and elevated bitterness compared to standard IPAs.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Resinous pine and citrus peel lead the nose, followed by tropical fruit and a faint caramel malt sweetness underneath. The hop aromatics are assertive and layered, as expected from a well-built Imperial IPA.

Taste: The entry is firm with bitter grapefruit and pine resin, quickly expanding across the mid-palate with stone fruit and a touch of mango. A substantial malt backbone provides balance, delivering enough biscuit and light toffee character to keep the hops from running unchecked. The 9% ABV adds warmth without tipping into boozy territory.

Finish: Long and resinous, with lingering bitterness and a dry, piney close. A faint residual sweetness from the malt rounds out the final impression.

How to Drink Evel Knievel IPA

Pour into a tulip glass or wide-mouthed pint glass slightly below room temperature — around 45–50°F — to let the hop aromatics fully express themselves. Given its Imperial strength, sipping at a measured pace reveals more complexity as the beer warms slightly.

• IPA Float: A scoop of vanilla ice cream in this IIPA creates a surprisingly harmonious dessert pairing, the hops cutting through dairy richness.
• Michelada Riff: Combine with hot sauce, lime, and Worcestershire for a high-octane brunch cocktail with serious kick.
• Hop-forward Shandy: Mix with fresh grapefruit juice to amplify citrus notes while bringing the ABV down to a sessionable level.

Best For

• Hopheads seeking a high-ABV IPA with substantial bitterness and body
• Tailgates and barbecues where bold flavors stand up to smoky, spicy food
• Gifting to craft beer enthusiasts who appreciate novelty branding with genuine brewing substance
• Game day drinking where a few big cans replace a full six-pack

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Evel Knievel IPA taste like? This Imperial IPA delivers bold pine and citrus hop bitterness balanced by a sturdy malt backbone with biscuit and light caramel notes. The 9% ABV adds warmth without overwhelming the hop character.

How does Evel Knievel IPA compare to other Imperial IPAs? At 9% ABV, it sits in the mid-range for the Imperial IPA category, where many expressions range from 8% to 12%. Its Illinois craft pedigree from Destihl Brewery and distinctive branding set it apart from West Coast-focused competitors, though it shares the resinous, bitter profile common to the style.

Is Evel Knievel IPA good for beginners? Imperial IPAs are generally intense, and this one's 9% ABV and pronounced bitterness may be challenging for those new to craft beer. Drinkers already comfortable with standard IPAs will find this a natural and rewarding step up.

Where is Evel Knievel IPA made? Destihl Brewery brews this Imperial IPA at its production facility in Normal, Illinois, a small city in the central part of the state within the Bloomington-Normal metro area.

What foods pair well with Evel Knievel IPA? Spicy buffalo wings benefit from the beer's bitterness cutting through heat and fat. Aged cheddar or blue cheese stand up to the hop intensity. Charred burgers with peppery arugula complement the resinous character. Carnitas tacos with fresh salsa match the tropical fruit notes, and dark chocolate brownies create an unexpected but effective contrast.

What sizes does Evel Knievel IPA come in? The standard format is a 4-pack of 16oz cans, totaling 64 ounces of Imperial IPA per package.

Is Evel Knievel IPA worth the price? This positions as a mid-tier craft Imperial IPA; the 16oz tall-boy format provides good volume per can, and the 9% ABV means fewer cans are needed per session, making the 4-pack a reasonable value within the double IPA category.

Why Evel Knievel IPA?

Destihl Brewery brings legitimate Midwestern craft brewing credentials to a brand collaboration that could easily be gimmicky in lesser hands. The 9% ABV Imperial IPA format delivers genuine hop intensity and structural complexity, backed by a brewery that has proven its range across sours, lagers, and ales since 2007. The 16oz can format is ideal for sharing or savoring solo, and the Evel Knievel branding — licensed directly through the estate — gives this beer a personality that matches its bold flavor profile. For drinkers who want a big IPA with real brewing substance behind the name, this one earns its spot in the cooler.