Full Clip IPA by Stoneface brewing Co.
Presenting this week’s review, I was perplexed by the term ‘Clip’ and its variety of uses and meanings. Clipper ships were fast moving boats, ‘moving along at a fast clip’ while a ‘clip joint’ referred to a business that might overcharge you. And then there is the misuse of the term clip for the proper name, magazine in a pistol. But I have never heard the term Full Clip used before… and thus the curiosity for this week’s review of Stoneface’s newest IPA addition.
Since January of 2014, Stoneface Brewing, located in Newington, NH, has captured the attention of IPA lovers with their refreshingly hoppy beer. Starting out as a 3 barrel brew system, they quickly found they needed to expand and have installed their additional 15 barrel system with 30 barrel fermenters. This allows them to ferment two batches at a time. Their other brews are APA (American Pale Ale), Red Rye IPA, Hopulization Double IPA, Blip (small) IPA, Blonde Golden Ale and Porter. Every so often, they release an RIS (Russian Imperial Stout) but it’s gone before you can drive to Newington!
Visit them at http://www.stonefacebrewing.com
Full Clip IPA is an identical build of their famous IPA; the only difference is the yeast. Using an English ale yeast allows fruit and biscuit esters to be present in the nose and taste. This beer is dry hopped, meaning that more hops are added to the wort (finish beer) after it is cooled. This addition is what adds some bittering notes but also much more floral ones as well. They use Warrior hops early in the boil and Centennial for flavor. Amarillo, Citra and a little Simcoe are used for dry hopping, although less than their original IPA style.
Full Clip should be poured into a pint or tulip glass so that you can enjoy the big aroma of pineapple, pear, grapefruit, and peach. With a pure white, frothy head and lacing, a mellow hazy-gold color, this 6.5% ABV beer has a medium mouthfeel and spiciness that will grab your attention. Unlike other overtly hoppy IPA’s, Clip is kind and wants to be your best friend throughout the time you open together.
Full Clip is available at Case-n-Keg, in Meredith and Laconia as well as other fine beer sellers. Oh, and the name refers to watching the entire movie, not the preview. Great work again Stoneface!
Jim MacMillan is the owner of WonByOne Design of Meredith, NH, and is an avid imbiber of craft brews and a home brewer as well. Send him your recommendations and brew news to wickedbrews@weirs.com
