Baxter TarnationBaxter 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.