Pipeworks Santa vs Unicorn 4Pk is a 9.3% ABV imperial red ale brewed by Pipeworks Brewing Company in Chicago, Illinois, sold in a four-pack format. This seasonal heavyweight straddles the line between American barleywine and red double IPA, delivering a malt-forward punch backed by aggressive West Coast–style hopping. Quick Facts: ABV: 9.3% | Origin: Chicago, Illinois | Style: Imperial Red Ale / Red Double IPA | Brewery: Pipeworks Brewing Company Production & Heritage Pipeworks Brewing Company was founded in Chicago and earned RateBeer's Best New Brewery distinction in 2012, rapidly building a reputation for inventive, small-batch releases. Santa vs Unicorn uses a complex grain bill of 2-row, Munich, Caramel 80, special roast, rye, flaked oats, and midnight wheat — a layered malt foundation designed to stand up to a heavy hop charge of Columbus, Galaxy, Zythos, Falconer's Flight, and Cascade. The brewery has described this beer variously as an imperial red ale, American-style barleywine, and red double IPA, reflecting a deliberate hybrid approach rooted in Pipeworks' philosophy of never making "the same exact beer twice." Tasting Notes Aroma: Caramel malt sweetness hits first, quickly joined by bold grapefruit rind and fresh pine resin from the hop blend. A subtle toasted grain note sits beneath, adding depth without overwhelming the citrus-forward top layer. Taste: The entry is malt-rich — toffee, caramel, and toasted bread from the Munich and specialty malts — before a wave of assertive hop bitterness takes over at mid-palate. Grapefruit, pine sap, and a light citrus peel sharpness build toward the peak, while the rye and flaked oats contribute a slightly chewy body and mild spice. The balance tilts toward hops, but the malt backbone keeps the beer from veering into pure bitterness. Finish: Long and resinous, with lingering pine and a warming 9.3% alcohol presence that reveals itself as the malt sweetness fades. A dry, slightly bitter close carries traces of dark caramel and citrus pith. How to Drink Santa vs Unicorn Best served at cellar temperature (50–55°F) in a tulip glass or snifter to concentrate the aromatic interplay between malt and hops. The high ABV and malt density also make it a candidate for short-term cellaring if you want the hop bite to mellow. For cocktail-adjacent serves: try a Boilermaker alongside a pour of rye whiskey, where the beer's own rye grain echoes the spirit; a Beer Float with vanilla ice cream, which tempers the bitterness and amplifies the caramel; or a Michelada riff using hot sauce and lime, where the beer's pine-citrus character provides a sturdy backbone against the spice. Best For Holiday gatherings where a high-ABV seasonal sipper sets the tone Gifting a craft beer enthusiast who favors hop-forward styles with malt complexity Side-by-side tastings comparing imperial red ales, barleywines, and double IPAs Cold-weather evening sessions around a fire pit or winter dinner table Frequently Asked Questions What does Santa vs Unicorn taste like? It leads with rich caramel and toffee malt sweetness, then pivots to aggressive grapefruit, pine, and citrus hop bitterness with a boozy, warming finish. The overall impression is a malt-forward imperial red ale with double IPA–level hop intensity. How does Santa vs Unicorn compare to Ninja vs Unicorn? Ninja vs Unicorn is Pipeworks' flagship double IPA — hop-dominant with a leaner malt profile — while Santa vs Unicorn leans heavily into caramel and specialty malt richness, creating a fuller, more barleywine-adjacent drinking experience. Both share Pipeworks' aggressive hopping philosophy, but Santa vs Unicorn trades the clean bitterness of a DIPA for a chewier, more complex body. Is Santa vs Unicorn good for sipping neat? Absolutely — the 9.3% ABV, layered malt character, and long finish reward slow, contemplative drinking at cellar temperature, much like a barleywine. A tulip glass helps concentrate the aromas and makes the most of each pour. Where is Santa vs Unicorn made? Santa vs Unicorn is brewed by Pipeworks Brewing Company at their facility on McLean Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. Pipeworks has operated out of the city since its founding and earned early recognition as one of the country's standout new breweries. What foods pair well with Santa vs Unicorn? Smoked brisket or pulled pork, where the beer's malt sweetness mirrors the caramelized bark; sharp aged cheddar, which cuts through the hop resin; roasted root vegetables with brown butter for an echo of the toffee notes; dark chocolate truffles to complement the warming finish; or a hearty beef stew that matches the beer's weight and complexity. What sizes does Santa vs Unicorn come in? Santa vs Unicorn is available in a four-pack format, which is the standard retail configuration for this seasonal release. Is Santa vs Unicorn worth the price? Santa vs Unicorn positions as a premium seasonal craft release with a complex grain bill, multi-hop blend, and high ABV that justify its place above everyday IPAs and pale ales. For fans of imperial reds, barleywines, or hop-heavy special releases, it delivers category-appropriate value. Why Santa vs Unicorn? What sets this beer apart is its refusal to sit neatly in one style box — the imperial red ale, barleywine, and double IPA characteristics coexist rather than compete, built on a grain bill featuring seven distinct malts and a five-hop blend that few seasonal releases can match in complexity. Pipeworks earned RateBeer's Best New Brewery distinction in 2012 on the strength of exactly this kind of boundary-blurring approach. The 9.3% ABV provides serious weight without tipping into cloying sweetness, and the interplay between caramel malt and resinous citrus hops gives it a drinking arc that evolves from first sip to last. For anyone seeking a winter seasonal with real depth and a brewing philosophy that values creativity over repetition, Santa vs Unicorn earns its place.
