NvU Vs. The Cryo
Pipeworks Brewing Co.

 

 

 

It seems like contents of a pint can v the capacity of a clear glass Imperial pint mug. With its seemingly ever-expanding stark white foam, the brew wins. This probably doesn't portend a good thing, as this much starch that isn't barley malt in a wort likely adversely effects taste and body. The aroma isn't so promising, neither. It's only mildly hoppy and somehow metallic. The foam takes its time to recede unevenly and unattractively. The beer is lager-like bright light amber and fairly translucent. The carbonation doesn't want to quit. So much for first impressions. As feared, the body is far too thin, almost watery. It's too bad that's the first mouth impression, because that's its worst fault. The irregular and mostly sparse glass lacing is of mild concern. In search for something good, the ABV is nicely integrated into the taste and doesn't beat up on the mouthfeel. Unfortunately, that might be it. The metallic whiff the nose picked up carries over for the tongue, especially during the finish. The hopping is moderately bitter, but characterless, in that there's no depth nor complexity. Still, there's that offsetting aroma that reaches so far as to help spoil the taste. A truly disappointing effort from a brewery not known for doing so.

 

Canned 10/18/22 (3 months ago)

Appearance: Pours a mostly clear (90% clarity), medium golden color with a strong white head. SRM of 7. (4.00)

Aroma: Moderate aromas of ripe pineapple, juicy melon, resinous orange. (4.25)

Flavor: Strong and resinous flavors of tropical pineapple, juicy melon, resinous orange. Juicy and resinous, but smooth and hides the alcohol. Caramel malt off the end. (4.00)

Feel: Medium-bodied, average carbonation and a smooth and sweet malt body that hides the alcohol. (4.00)

Compared to Pipeworks Ninja vs. Unicorn 1/2023: Pours similar, milder head. Stronger aromas. More tropical flavors. Less sweet malts. Slightly hoppier, very similar though.

Overall: A nicely made addition to the original Ninja vs. Unicorn. Slightly more juicy and hoppy here. Very similar, but some newer age and hoppy juiciness to it. Very similar though and almost indistinguishable. I'd pick up either of these and not tell a difference. (Rating: 4.11)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pours a golden yellow, you can see shadows through it, but not clearly. Bug fluffy head with nice lacing, and smells of resin and funk. Taste is hash hops and an odd funky lemon rind. I had great hopes, but not fulfilled.

 

Seems to lean more WC in it's properties, yet doesn't seem to pull it off. This beer has an identity crisis, perhaps that's what Pipeworks is going for? For me personally, I get more herbal and grassy qualities than other reviewers, and my cans aren't very old. Very very little citrus, or pineapple notes of any kind. Perplexing to the point of quandry. Average at best for me.

A - Clear straw gold color with soapy white lacing and very light carbonation.

S - Citrus, pineapple, spicy bright citrus.

T - Pineapple, spicy sweet grapefruit, resiny pine.

M - Big medium body with light carbonation on the palate that gives way to a soft finish.

O - This D-IPA is solid with a well hidden ABV.