Pipeworks NA Ninja vs Unicorn 4Pk

Pipeworks NA Ninja vs Unicorn 4Pk is a non-alcoholic IPA-style beer from Pipeworks Brewing Company in Chicago, sold as a 4-pack of 16oz cans at less than 0.5% ABV. It translates one of the brewery's most iconic and fan-favorite recipes into a full-flavored, alcohol-free format.

Quick Facts: ABV: <0.5%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois, USA  |  Style: Non-Alcoholic IPA  |  Brewery: Pipeworks Brewing Company  |  Format: 4-Pack of 16oz Cans

Production & Heritage

Pipeworks Brewing Company was founded in 2012 in Chicago by Beejay Oslon and Gerrit Lewis, quickly earning a devoted following for adventurous, hop-driven beers packaged with wildly imaginative label art. The original Ninja vs Unicorn double IPA became one of the brewery's signature releases — a bold, resinous showcase of American hops that helped define the Pipeworks identity. The NA version applies that same hop-centric philosophy to a non-alcoholic format, aiming to retain the aromatic intensity and bitter backbone of the original while keeping the ABV below the 0.5% threshold required for non-alcoholic classification in the United States.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Tropical fruit and citrus peel lead the nose, followed by pine resin and a light floral hop character. The aromatic profile mirrors the hop-forward nature of the original recipe.

Taste: The entry delivers bright grapefruit and mango notes carried by a light malt base. Mid-palate, piney bitterness builds alongside a subtle grain sweetness that provides balance. The hop presence remains assertive without the warming alcohol of the full-strength version.

Finish: A clean, moderately bitter finish lingers with residual citrus and herbal hop character. The body stays light enough to feel refreshing while retaining enough structure to avoid feeling thin.

How to Drink NA Ninja vs Unicorn

Best served chilled at around 40–45°F directly from the can or poured into a tulip glass to release hop aromatics. Because this is a non-alcoholic beer, it stands on its own as a straightforward drink — pour it whenever you want IPA flavor without the alcohol. It also works well as the base for a Hop Shandy by mixing with fresh lemonade for a citrus-forward refresher, in a NA Michelada with tomato juice, hot sauce, and lime for a savory option, or blended into a Beer Float using a scoop of citrus sorbet for a playful dessert pairing.

Best For

• IPA enthusiasts observing Dry January or reducing alcohol intake
• Weeknight sessions when full-strength beer isn't practical
• Gifting a craft beer fan who appreciates non-alcoholic alternatives
• Post-workout or midday refreshment with genuine hop character

Frequently Asked Questions

What does NA Ninja vs Unicorn taste like? It drinks like a hop-forward IPA with prominent tropical fruit, grapefruit, and pine notes supported by a light malt backbone, finishing with clean bitterness — all without noticeable alcohol.

How does NA Ninja vs Unicorn compare to Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA? Both are non-alcoholic IPAs, but Pipeworks leans into a more aggressive hop profile inspired by its double IPA roots, while Athletic's Run Wild tends toward a lighter, more sessionable bitterness level suited to everyday drinking.

Is NA Ninja vs Unicorn good for craft beer fans new to non-alcoholic options? Yes — its bold hop character closely mirrors the experience of drinking a traditional IPA, making it one of the more convincing NA options for drinkers accustomed to full-flavored craft beer.

Where is NA Ninja vs Unicorn made? It is brewed by Pipeworks Brewing Company in Chicago, Illinois, a craft brewery that has operated in the city since 2012 and is known for inventive, hop-centric recipes.

What foods pair well with NA Ninja vs Unicorn? Spicy tacos with salsa verde, as the hop bitterness cuts through heat and fat. Grilled burgers with sharp cheddar, where the citrus hops complement charred meat. Fish and chips, using the beer's carbonation and bitterness to balance fried batter. A charcuterie board with aged cheeses, where hoppy bitterness contrasts rich, salty flavors. Thai green curry, pairing tropical hop notes with the dish's aromatic herbs.

What sizes does NA Ninja vs Unicorn come in? It is available in a 4-pack of 16oz cans, which is the standard retail format for this release.

Is NA Ninja vs Unicorn worth the price? It positions in the premium tier of non-alcoholic craft beers, reflecting both the Pipeworks brand reputation and the complexity of producing a convincingly hoppy NA beer — a reasonable value for drinkers seeking genuine IPA flavor without alcohol.

Why NA Ninja vs Unicorn?

The non-alcoholic beer category has exploded, but many NA IPAs struggle to deliver the resinous, aromatic punch that hop lovers actually crave. Pipeworks brings credibility to the format by building on a recipe — Ninja vs Unicorn — that already earned a dedicated following as a full-strength double IPA. The 16oz can format provides a generous pour that lets the hop aromatics develop fully, and the Chicago brewery's track record with bold, unapologetic hop profiles gives this NA release a foundation that purpose-built non-alcoholic brands often lack. For anyone who wants the sensory experience of a well-hopped IPA without the alcohol, this is a release grounded in real craft brewing pedigree.