Stoneface IPA

Tasting Notes

This pours with a hop-forward aroma that leans into pine and citrus rind, with some tropical fruit underneath — grapefruit and a hint of mango. On the palate, the bitterness is assertive but not harsh, sitting on a medium-to-firm malt backbone that keeps things balanced rather than thin. The body is medium, with a dry, resinous finish that lingers without becoming astringent. It's a solid, no-nonsense West Coast-leaning American IPA.

About the Brewery

Stoneface Brewing is based in Newington, New Hampshire, founded around 2014. They've built a reputation in the New England craft scene for hop-forward beers, particularly IPAs, though their lineup extends into lagers and other styles. They're a well-regarded regional player without being a nationally distributed name, and their taproom has a strong local following.

Food Pairings

The resinous bitterness here cuts through fat well, making it a natural match with a burger or pub-style nachos where richness needs a counterpoint. Spicy dishes like chicken wings with hot sauce benefit because the hop bitterness amplifies rather than fights the heat in an interesting way. Sharp aged cheddar pairs well because the malt backbone provides enough sweetness to round out the cheese's salt and funk. Grilled sausages work because the caramelized char on the meat echoes the beer's slight toasty malt notes.

Style Guide

American IPA is defined by aggressive hop character — typically citrus, pine, or tropical fruit aromas and flavors — built on a supportive but not dominant malt base. The style emerged from American craft brewers in the 1980s and 90s who began loading up the classic British IPA framework with high-alpha American hop varieties like Cascade, Centennial, and Simcoe. ABV typically runs 6–7.5%, and bitterness levels are noticeably higher than most other mainstream styles. It sits between the more malt-forward Amber Ale and the lighter, haze-focused New England IPA that largely grew out of it.