Pipeworks Abominable Snowman vs Unicorn 4Pk

Pipeworks Abominable Snowman vs Unicorn 4Pk is a 7.6% ABV hazy IPA from Chicago's Pipeworks Brewing Company, sold in a four-pack of cans. Brewed with Cryo hops and lactose, this seasonal release carries a strong 4.0 out of 5 rating on Untappd across more than 2,700 reviews.

Quick Facts: ABV: 7.6%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Hazy / New England IPA  |  Brewery: Pipeworks Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Pipeworks Brewing Company operates out of Chicago, Illinois, and has built a devoted following through its inventive, small-batch approach to craft beer — particularly its series of "vs Unicorn" IPAs. Abominable Snowman vs Unicorn uses a hop bill of Idaho 7, Mosaic, and Cryo Simcoe hops. Cryo hops contain nearly twice the lupulin resin content of standard hop pellets, delivering intense hop aroma and flavor while reducing unwanted vegetal or grassy qualities. A measured dose of lactose rounds out the body, lending a pillowy mouthfeel that complements the hop-forward profile.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Lofty Cryo hop aromatics open with bright tangerine and candied orange peel, followed by layers of winter pine and a subtle tropical sweetness. The lactose addition smooths the edges, keeping the nose inviting rather than aggressive.

Taste: The first sip lands with abundant citrus — tangerine and ripe orange leading the charge. Mid-palate, fresh honeydew melon and tropical pineapple notes emerge alongside resinous pine. Lactose provides a soft, creamy sweetness that balances the hop bitterness without masking it.

Finish: The finish is medium-long with lingering pine resin and a gentle citrus fade. A faint creamy sweetness from the lactose trails behind, keeping things smooth through the last sip.

How to Drink Abominable Snowman vs Unicorn

Pour cold into a tulip glass or wide-mouth pint to release the full Cryo hop aroma. This beer is best enjoyed fresh, as hop character diminishes over time. For a Hazy IPA Shandy, mix with fresh-squeezed lemonade on warm days — the lactose body holds up well against the acidity. In a Citrus Radler, combine with grapefruit soda to amplify the tangerine notes. For a Hoppy Michelada, pair with tomato juice, lime, and hot sauce — the beer's tropical fruit character adds an unexpected but welcome dimension.

Best For

• Seasonal IPA variety packs for hazy hop fans
• Game-day drinking with friends who appreciate bold craft beer
• Gifting to a Pipeworks collector chasing the full "vs Unicorn" lineup
• Pairing with a winter barbecue or holiday cookout spread

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Abominable Snowman vs Unicorn taste like? It delivers abundant citrus — tangerine, candied orange, and pineapple — layered with winter pine and a soft, creamy sweetness from lactose. The Cryo hops give it an intense but clean hop punch without heavy bitterness.

How does Abominable Snowman vs Unicorn compare to Ninja vs Unicorn? Ninja vs Unicorn is Pipeworks' flagship Double IPA and the brewery's top seller, coming in at a higher ABV and a more assertive hop profile. Abominable Snowman vs Unicorn sits at 7.6% ABV, incorporates lactose for a softer body, and leans more heavily into tropical and citrus fruit character through its Cryo hop bill.

Is Abominable Snowman vs Unicorn good for IPA beginners? The lactose addition softens the bitterness and adds a gentle creaminess, making it more approachable than many IPAs at this ABV. Drinkers who enjoy fruit-forward, hazy styles will find this a comfortable entry point into Pipeworks' lineup.

Where is Abominable Snowman vs Unicorn made? It is brewed by Pipeworks Brewing Company in Chicago, Illinois. Pipeworks is known for its creative, small-batch approach and has developed a wide roster of hop-forward beers distributed primarily in the Midwest and select national markets.

What foods pair well with Abominable Snowman vs Unicorn? Spicy Thai curry highlights the tropical hop notes. Grilled citrus chicken echoes the tangerine and orange character. Sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese contrasts the creamy lactose body. Fish tacos with mango salsa mirror the fruit-forward profile. Rich pulled pork sandwiches benefit from the beer's carbonation and hop bitterness cutting through the fat.

What sizes does Abominable Snowman vs Unicorn come in? It is available in a four-pack of cans, which is the standard retail format for this release.

Is Abominable Snowman vs Unicorn worth the price? It positions as a mid-range craft IPA, consistent with specialty four-packs from well-regarded regional breweries. The use of premium Cryo hops — which cost significantly more than standard pellets — and lactose justify its place in the category for drinkers seeking a distinctive hazy IPA experience.

Why Abominable Snowman vs Unicorn?

The standout differentiator here is the Cryo hop technology. By using hops with nearly double the resin concentration of standard pellets, Pipeworks achieves an exceptionally vivid hop aroma and flavor — heavy on citrus and tropical fruit — while minimizing the harsh vegetal bite that can plague heavily hopped beers. The lactose addition is measured, not gimmicky; it gives the mouthfeel weight and smoothness without turning the beer into a milkshake IPA. Among the growing "vs Unicorn" series, Abominable Snowman stands out for its balance of intensity and drinkability at 7.6% ABV, landing in a sweet spot between session hazies and the heavier double IPAs in Pipeworks' portfolio.