Baxter Brewing Tarnation
Before it was called craft beer, the tasty treats we all love to drink were referred to as micro-brews. There weren’t many of them around when the micro-brew bug bit me so many moons ago, but of those that were available Anchor Brewing’s Steam Beer was one of the first — and subsequently most often — I enjoyed. That California Common is a classic and is held dear to my liver as one of the handful that I could find on a consistent basis back then.
Any time I run across another beer in this style, much like Baxter Brewing’s Tarnation (5.3% ABV), I get nostalgic and usually end up questioning why I don’t by beers of this genre more often. This particular offering from the Lewiston, Maine brewery reminds me a great deal of those early days. It’s smooth with a clean character and refreshing nature. Tarnation, much like several commons that I have had recently, is a pretty darn good brew and one that I would gladly have lining my fridge any time of year — if only it were available in Virginia.
Appearance
Tarnation pours a golden amber in color with a frothy, off-white cap of foam.
Aroma
A smooth malt and caramel backbone with a bready character leads the way for a clean hop aroma that brings hints of citrus, pine and a peppery note.
Taste
Tarnation is wonderfully smooth and clean. A crisp carbonation and medium body deliver toasted bread, caramel, citrusy notes, soft pine, grass and a low-to-moderate hop bitterness. The beer is refreshing and nicely balanced.
Overall
I really like this beer. Tarnation may not be a classic like Anchor’s defining product, but it’s fun, tasty and appropriate for just about any time of year. The smooth lager character and refreshing hop balance make this a beer that I could thoroughly enjoy on a regular basis.
Rating: 3.7/5
This is a review of a promotional sample from the brewery.
