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Unicorn IPA

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Unicorn IPA pairs a strong malty body with New World hops at 5.2%. The hops bring citrus and floral notes that sit on top of the malt without hiding it, and the beer closes on an intensely bitter finish. Named after Scotland's national animal, it was among the first beers brewed when the Glasgow brewpub opened in 2016 and has stayed in the house range since.

ABV
5.2%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter35 IBU
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
golden8
PaceA Few
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
maltyfloralcitrusy
malty
floral
citrusy
hoppy
clean
Aroma
The nose leads with citrus and white florals from New World hops, offering notes of grapefruit zest and jasmine that sit prominently above the malt.
not found:juicy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Unicorn IPA

◎ Appearance

Pale golden in color with good transparency and a resilient white head that leaves fine lacing on the glass. Carbonation is lively and well-integrated, creating a steady stream of bubbles. The beer presents a clean, bright appearance typical of American IPAs at this strength.

pale goldenbright claritypersistent headfine lacing

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with citrus and white florals from New World hops, offering notes of grapefruit zest and jasmine that sit prominently above the malt. A supporting maltiness provides a bread-like warmth underneath without becoming dominant. Clean fermentation character allows the hop aromatics to remain the focal point.

citrus, grapefruitwhite florals, jasminebreadlike maltclean fermentation

◐ Taste

Entry is balanced between a substantial malt body and assertive hop bitterness. Mid-palate brings forward floral and citrus flavors that echo the aroma, while the malt backbone—biscuit and light caramel—grounds the beer without eclipsing the hops. The finish transitions into an intensely bitter fade that lingers and defines the aftertaste.

balanced malt-to-hop ratiocitrus and floral mid-palatebiscuit maltinessintensely bitter finish

◑ Finish

The bitter finish is pronounced and lengthy, leaving a dry, resinous aftertaste that persists well after swallowing. This sustained bitterness is the beer's signature character, ensuring a memorable close.

dry, resinouslong bitter finish
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
80
Taste
78
Appearance
78
Finish
77
Serve at 8–11°C

Serve at 8–11°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Tulip glass

The curved shape concentrates hop aromas and supports a thick head. Essential for aromatic ales and IPAs where the nose is half the experience.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Unicorn IPA

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About American IPA

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a American IPA?

IPAs are hop-forward ales with 5.5–7.5% ABV and IBU 40–70+. Bold hop aroma — citrus, tropical, resinous — with firm bitterness and a dry, clean finish.

Finding a similar American IPA

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same bitter, malty, floral character as Unicorn IPA will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →Explore all American IPA beers in hopIQ →New to American IPA? Read our guide →Browse United Kingdom beers →