Tarnation

Baxter Brewing Co.Lewiston, ME

Style: California-style Lager

ABV: 5.3

Tasting Notes: Watch enough TV and you get conditioned to thinking that lagers are going to pour the color of golden straw. Well, whoo-we, Maine’s Baxter Brewing Co. recently released a lager named Tarnation that pours the color of a newly minted penny. It’s capped with a thick just-off-white head that almost begs to be scooped with one finger, like a dessert. It’s a real pleasure to look at and happily this has personality as well. It presents that classic clean lager taste, but a slight bit of peppery hops and subtle caramel notes in the background keep it interesting and not just an ordinary lager. Packaged in cans, and at 5.3% this is one that, if you can find it, should be a regular part of your outdoor summer routines. Or any season really, as the brewery has wisely decided to make this a year-round offering.

John Holl
John is the editor of All About Beer Magazine, the host of The Beer Briefing on iHeart Radio, and the author of three books, including The American Craft Beer Cookbook. Find him on Twitter @John_Holl.