Pipeworks NvU vs. The Haze 4Pk

Pipeworks NvU vs. The Haze 4Pk is a hazy imperial IPA from Chicago’s Pipeworks Brewing Company, packaged as a 4-pack at 8% ABV. Scored 94 on BeerAdvocate from 163 ratings, this double IPA reimagines the brewery’s cult-favorite Ninja vs. Unicorn as a full-bodied, juice-forward haze bomb.
Quick Facts: ABV: 8%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Hazy Imperial / Double IPA  |  Brewery: Pipeworks Brewing Company
Production & Heritage
Pipeworks Brewing Company was founded in 2012 in Chicago by Beejay Oslon and Gerrit Lewis, quickly earning a reputation for bold, creative small-batch beers. NvU vs. The Haze takes the brewery’s flagship Ninja vs. Unicorn double IPA blueprint and reworks it with a different yeast strain specifically chosen to produce a fuller, smoother mouthfeel and amplified haze. The result dials back the sharp bitterness of the original while pushing tropical fruit character to the foreground, aligning it squarely with the New England IPA tradition.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Ripe pineapple and mandarin orange dominate the nose, followed by layers of mango pulp and a subtle dank, herbal undertone. The aromatic profile reads like a tropical fruit stand with just enough resinous hop presence to remind you this is a double IPA.
Taste: The entry is soft and oat-smooth, immediately delivering orange citrus and mango juice flavors. At mid-palate, mandarin orange intensifies alongside pineapple, while the modified yeast strain contributes a rounded, almost creamy body that carries the fruit flavors without harsh edges. Orange zest and tropical pulp build toward the peak without veering into cloying sweetness.
Finish: A measured citrus rind bitterness emerges on the close, providing essential structure and keeping the beer drinkable despite its 8% weight. The finish lingers with dried tropical fruit and a lightly herbal, pithy fade.
How to Drink NvU vs. The Haze
Pour into a tulip glass or stemless IPA glass at 40–45°F to fully release the aromatic hop oils; drinking straight from the can mutes much of what makes this beer distinctive. Pair it in a Michelada riff using hot sauce and lime for a brunch-ready kick. It also works well as a Beer-a-Rita base blended with fresh mango and lime juice, leaning into the existing tropical profile. For a simple shandy-style serve, mix half-and-half with fresh grapefruit juice to amplify the citrus notes into a refreshing warm-weather drink.
Best For
Hazy IPA enthusiasts exploring Chicago’s craft beer scene
Sharing with friends at a backyard cookout or tailgate
Gifting to a fan of the original Ninja vs. Unicorn who wants the haze variant
Pairing with spicy or bold-flavored foods at a casual dinner
Frequently Asked Questions
What does NvU vs. The Haze taste like? It delivers intense tropical fruit flavors—primarily orange citrus, mandarin, pineapple, and mango—carried on a smooth, oat-forward body with a clean citrus rind bitterness on the finish.
How does NvU vs. The Haze compare to Toppling Goliath Radiant Haze? Both are hazy double IPAs with prominent tropical and citrus hop character, but NvU vs. The Haze tends toward a softer, oatier mouthfeel thanks to its modified yeast strain, while Radiant Haze often leans more aggressively juicy with a drier finish. NvU vs. The Haze also carries a slightly higher ABV at 8%.
Is NvU vs. The Haze good for sipping on its own? Yes—the smooth body, restrained bitterness, and fruit-forward hop profile make it very approachable for anyone who enjoys hazy IPAs, though the 8% ABV warrants a measured pace.
Where is NvU vs. The Haze made? It is brewed by Pipeworks Brewing Company in Chicago, Illinois, a brewery founded in 2012 that specializes in creative, small-batch craft beers.
What foods pair well with NvU vs. The Haze? Spicy fish tacos complement the tropical fruit hops while the carbonation cuts through richness. Grilled jerk chicken echoes the beer’s citrus and herbal notes. A sharp aged cheddar contrasts the smooth mouthfeel. Fresh ceviche mirrors the bright citrus character. Thai green curry works well, as the mango and pineapple flavors temper the heat.
What sizes does NvU vs. The Haze come in? It is commonly available as a 4-pack of cans, which is the standard retail format for this release.
Is NvU vs. The Haze worth the price? It positions as a mid-to-premium craft double IPA, and its BeerAdvocate score of 94 and Untappd rating of 4.1 out of 5 across over 21,700 ratings suggest strong consensus that it delivers quality well in line with its price tier.
Why NvU vs. The Haze?
This beer exists because Pipeworks asked a specific question: what happens when you strip the aggressive bitterness from Ninja vs. Unicorn and rebuild it around haze and fruit? The answer, backed by a BeerAdvocate score of 94, is a double IPA that prioritizes drinkability without sacrificing intensity. The alternate yeast strain is the key differentiator—it transforms the mouthfeel into something pillowy and full while letting the tropical hop character speak without interference. For drinkers who found the original NvU too bitter or too West Coast in character, this hazy counterpart delivers the same 8% punch through an entirely different lens.