Pipeworks Double Vanilla Phantom Unicorn 16OZ is a barrel-aged imperial stout brewed with cacao nibs, vanilla, and lactose, packaged in a 16oz can at 14.3% ABV. Scoring 90 on BeerAdvocate, this release from Pipeworks Brewing Company pushes the boundaries of what a vanilla stout can deliver, layering massive vanilla character over a rich bourbon-barrel foundation. Quick Facts: ABV: 14.3% | Origin: Chicago, Illinois | Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout | Brewery: Pipeworks Brewing Company Production & Heritage Pipeworks Brewing Company operates out of Chicago, Illinois, and has earned a devoted following for its creative, small-batch releases — particularly its imperial stout program. Double Vanilla Phantom Unicorn is a variant within the brewery's Phantom Unicorn line, distinguished by an amplified dose of vanilla alongside cacao nibs and lactose added to the barrel-aged imperial stout base. The barrel aging contributes bourbon and oak character, while the lactose provides body and residual sweetness that supports the vanilla and chocolate additions. Tasting Notes Aroma: Vanilla leads immediately and dominates the nose, followed by layers of bourbon, roasted malt, and dark chocolate. Beneath those primary notes, marshmallow sweetness and subtle molasses round out a rich, dessert-like bouquet. Taste: The entry is thick and sweet, with vanilla hitting the palate first in full force. Mid-palate brings bourbon warmth, bittersweet chocolate from the cacao nibs, and a roasted malt backbone that provides structure. A faint lactic sourness emerges toward the finish, adding unexpected complexity to the overall sweetness. Finish: Long and warming, with an oily, full-bodied texture that coats the palate. Lingering notes of vanilla, oak, and dark chocolate persist well after each sip. How to Drink Double Vanilla Phantom Unicorn This stout is best served at cellar temperature, around 50–55°F, in a snifter or tulip glass to concentrate its complex aromas. At 14.3% ABV, it drinks like a sipper — pour slowly and allow it to warm slightly as you drink. A small pour over a single sphere of ice can tame the sweetness and open up the bourbon and oak notes. It also works as a float over vanilla ice cream for a decadent beer float, or as the base in a beer cocktail like a Stout Flip — the egg, simple syrup, and nutmeg complement the existing vanilla and chocolate beautifully. Best For Sharing with fellow barrel-aged stout enthusiasts on a cold evening Pairing with a rich dessert course after dinner Adding to a curated imperial stout tasting lineup Gifting to a craft beer collector who values limited Pipeworks releases Frequently Asked Questions What does Double Vanilla Phantom Unicorn taste like? It delivers an intensely vanilla-forward profile layered over bourbon barrel character, dark chocolate from cacao nibs, and roasted malt, all carried by a thick, oily mouthfeel with notable sweetness from added lactose. How does Double Vanilla Phantom Unicorn compare to the original Phantom Unicorn? The original Phantom Unicorn serves as the barrel-aged imperial stout base without the amplified vanilla addition, making it more balanced between bourbon, chocolate, and roast. Double Vanilla shifts the emphasis heavily toward vanilla, creating a sweeter, more dessert-oriented experience that some reviewers find slightly less balanced but more indulgent. Is Double Vanilla Phantom Unicorn good for sipping neat? Yes — at 14.3% ABV with a thick, full body and complex layered flavors, it is designed to be savored slowly from a snifter or tulip glass rather than consumed quickly. Where is Double Vanilla Phantom Unicorn made? It is brewed by Pipeworks Brewing Company in Chicago, Illinois, a brewery known for its inventive imperial stout variants and limited-release canned beers. What foods pair well with Double Vanilla Phantom Unicorn? Chocolate lava cake mirrors the cacao nib and vanilla flavors; crème brûlée echoes the caramelized sweetness; aged sharp cheddar plays against the residual sweetness with savory contrast; smoked brisket complements the bourbon barrel notes; and pecan pie aligns with the molasses and vanilla character. What sizes does Double Vanilla Phantom Unicorn come in? It is available in 16oz cans, which is the standard format for Pipeworks Brewing Company's specialty releases. Is Double Vanilla Phantom Unicorn worth the price? It positions as a premium craft release within the barrel-aged imperial stout category, and its 90-point BeerAdvocate score alongside generous use of vanilla, cacao nibs, lactose, and barrel aging supports its value for enthusiasts seeking bold, dessert-style stouts. Why Double Vanilla Phantom Unicorn? What separates this release from the crowded field of adjunct imperial stouts is the sheer intensity of its vanilla presence — reviewers consistently describe it as redefining what a vanilla stout can be. The combination of barrel aging, cacao nibs, lactose, and a double dose of vanilla creates a layered drinking experience that rewards patience and attention. A 90-point BeerAdvocate score and a 4.0 rating on Untappd from over 1,200 reviews confirm it resonates broadly with the stout community. For drinkers who want their barrel-aged stout tilted firmly toward vanilla decadence, this Pipeworks variant delivers without compromise.
