Shipyard Reformulates Monkey Fist (Video)

Starting this month, Monkey Fist IPA (which debuted in 2012) now features a revamped malt bill that
includes less crystal malt, more pale malt, and an addition of flaked oats. The beer’s hop bill now
includes its original Cascade hop and two new hop varieties — Mosaic and Citra — that are
showcased in the beer. Monkey Fist’s total hop additions equal about 3 pounds of hops per barrel of
beer.

The new Monkey Fist (named for a ball-like knot that sailors tie to make ropes easier to throw) also
features less alcohol and hop bitterness. Monkey Fist’s alcohol-by- volume has dropped from 6.9% to
6% ABV and the beers International Bittering Units have been reduced from 80 IBUs to 50 IBUs.

Monkey Fist — fermented in the brewery’s hallmark open fermenters with Shipyard’s house yeast
strain — also benefits from a revamped fermentation process that enhances the crispness of the beer
and extend its shelf life.
“

We’ve made subtle shifts to the beer,” says Shipyard president Bruce Forsley, “to bring it more in line
with the taste preferences of today’s consumers.”

“Our goal,” he adds, “was to create a dryer and more crisp version of IPA with fruitier hops, a bit less
hop bite and alcohol, and increased mouthfeel and head retention. We’ve hit the mark and created a
slightly more contemporary and quaffable Monkey Fist.”

The overall packaging for Monkey Fist has not changed, but consumers can spot the new version of
the beer by its 6% ABV listed on the beer’s label.

“Craft beer lovers crave innovation, exceptional quality and fresh flavors,” says Shipyard founder Fred
Forsley. “We’re responding to that reality with this adjustment to Monkey Fist, along with a few new
beers and packages we’ll release later this year.”

For those who crave the original version of Monkey Fist, Bruce Forsley has a suggestion: “You might
want to stock up on the old version quickly,” he says, “before it leaves store shelves for good.”