I have tentative plans to visit the Shipyard Brewing Company’s brewery when I am passing through Portland next month because I generally enjoy and appreciate their beers.  This one was an exception to that general enjoyment for me.  Maybe I had set my expectations too high and it fell short, but in the end it wasn’t a beer that I needed to have again anytime soon.

Brewery: Shipyard Brewing Company (Portland, Maine)

Name: Chamberlain Pale Ale

Style: Pale Ale (American)

ABV: 4.9%

Tasting Notes: Stored in the fridge and served in a pint glass.  $3.99 for 22oz

Aroma: Light, slightly earthy hop nose.  Very faint caramel aroma?

Appearance: Light copper color with orange tint.  Short, off-white head that dissipates quickly without a trail.  Very clear with a few rising bubbles visible.

Flavor: Low hop flavor with a slight earthiness.  Minerally finish with some cloying.  Maybe a hint of a bready malt flavor?  The aroma was a bit stronger than the flavor turned out to be.

Mouthfeel: Light body with some dryness on the palate.  Medium to high carbonation, producing some bite (sharpness).

Overall Impressions: Weak overall aroma and flavor (compared to what I expect in an APA).  Alcohol content typical for style.  Really not much going on overall.  Drinkable, but also forgettable.

Grade: C to C-

Shipyard Brewing Co. - Chamberlain Pale Ale