Shipyard Brewing Company - Monkey Fist IPA

Pouring an attractive medium amber-copper color, this IPA sends up quite the aroma as it tumbles into the glass. It's not shy in the hops department as it presents a big, resinous, fruity, floral, and citric character. Unsurprisingly, the hops come through big on the palate too, with a very American-style citric, floral, and piney profile. The caramel malt backbone offers plenty of satisfying presence to support the hop flavors, which, to us, come though at least as loud as the bitterness – which is quite firm at 78 IBUs. This IPA can stand up to foods with quite a bit of spice and boldness, so feel free to pair it with wings or shrimp in Buffalo sauce, Cajun blackened chicken or fish, or a mature cheddar. Cheers!

Federal Jack's quickly rose to local fame. Eager to meet the challenge of expansion, they acquired four acres on Portland's historic working waterfront in 1994, with Alan officially joining The Shipyard as Master Brewer and part owner. They have since become the largest brewery in the state of Maine. For more information about the brewery and scheduled tours, call (207) 761-0807 or check out their web site at www.shipyard.com.

Schooled and trained in the art of English ale brewing at the renowned Ringwood Brewery in Hampshire, England, under the tutelage of its founder, the legendary Peter Austin (who just recently passed away on Jan 1st, 2014 at the age of 92), Alan had designed breweries and formulated beers for over 65 well-known brew pubs and microbreweries worldwide, being referred to as "the Johnny Appleseed of Brewing". In the hopes of bringing true English-style ales to America, Alan had recently settled in Maine. Realizing the strengths that Alan could bring, and seduced by the appeal of the brewing industry, Fred hired Alan as a consultant, and they founded Federal Jack's Brew Pub, the birthplace of Shipyard ales.

In 1992, an entrepreneurial real estate consultant, Fred Forsley, was hired to explore new options for a troubled retail development in Kennebunk, Maine. The complex was located on the site of three historic 19th century shipyards. Fred felt he could successfully develop and sell a brew pub concept linked to the shipbuilding history of the town. Never planning to enter the brewing business, he originally set out to sell the developed property. But fate intervened when Fred was introduced to British Master Brewer Alan Pugsley.