Ecliptic Filament IPA
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Tasting Notes
Filament IPA leads with resinous pine and citrus peel on the nose, with a hint of tropical fruit underneath. On the palate it delivers a firm but not aggressive bitterness, backed by grapefruit rind, tangerine, and a dry malt backbone that keeps things grounded without sweetness getting in the way. The body is medium, leaning toward lean, and the finish is clean with a lasting hop dryness. It's a solid example of the West Coast IPA tradition without chasing trends.
About the Brewery
Ecliptic Brewing is based in Portland, Oregon, founded in 2013 by John Harris, a veteran Oregon brewer who spent years at Deschutes and McMenamins before going independent. The brewery is organized around an astronomy theme, with most beers named after celestial phenomena — Starburst IPA, Capella Porter, and seasonal releases tied to solstices and equinoxes. Harris is widely respected in the Pacific Northwest brewing scene for technically consistent, well-balanced beers that favor drinkability over novelty.
Food Pairings
Filament's resinous bitterness and citrus character make it a natural match for grilled salmon, where the hop oils cut through the fish's richness without overwhelming it. Spicy Thai noodles work well because the beer's dryness provides relief without fighting the heat. A sharp aged cheddar plays off the piney bitterness in a classic hop-and-cheese contrast. Fish tacos with a citrus slaw echo the beer's own citrus notes and keep the pairing clean and cohesive.
Style Guide
The American IPA is defined by assertive hop bitterness and bold hop aroma — typically pine, citrus, and tropical fruit — with a supportive but not prominent malt base. ABVs generally run from about 6 to 7.5 percent, putting the style firmly in session-adjacent but still substantial territory. It developed in the American craft brewing scene during the 1980s and 90s as an amped-up interpretation of the English IPA, with far more dry-hopping and far less residual sweetness. It sits between the lighter session IPA and the more intensely bitter Double IPA, and is distinguished from the hazier New England IPA by its clarity and drier, more resinous finish.