Shipyard Export

I swear, I don't usually drink every single night.  Last night, however, I did continue my beer-tasting streak.  I traded a buddy of mine a couple Lancaster Winter Warmers for a Shipyard Export and a Shipyard IPA.  I tried the Export last night, since I've been having a lot of heavier beers lately.  So I decided to switch it up:

The golden-orange color is pretty appealing, but there isn't much in the way of head, despite the higher levels of carbonation.  It has a pleasant aroma -- citrus, honey, and floral notes, with a little maltiness in the background.  The taste is a little unexpected after the aroma, since it's much more herby and grassy (maybe hay?) with biscuit/cracker flavors.  The citrus comes through in the taste, also, but not as prominently; it leaves a slight grapefruit taste on the back of your tongue.  It finishes slightly dry, clean, and crisp, with a bit of a lingering hop-bitterness in the back of the throat.

This is definitely a lighter beer than the old ales, doppelbocks, imperial stouts, and barleywines I've been enjoying lately.  It's a nice change of pace, since it's more hoppy than malty.  Shipyard Export clocks in at 5.1% ABV, and it seems like it would go really well with grilled chicken or pork chops.  It's a drinkable beer, not great, but decent.  I'd probably give it maybe a 6 or 7 out of 10.  I'd probably enjoy it more during the hot summer months.

I may not always be completely thrilled with the new beers I try, but I am always glad I tried them.  Cheers!