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Tarnation

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A rich, malty strong ale built on four malts (2-row, Maris Otter, Biscuit and Double Roasted Crystal) and four hops (HBC-682, Cascade, Amarillo and Citra), fermented with Kölsch yeast. At 9.0% ABV and 53 IBU, it debuted in August 2022 as a year-round beer. The pitch leans into Wild West slang and asks the question that gave the beer its name: What in Tarnation?!

ABV
9%
Bitterness
Strongly bitter53 IBU
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
deep amber15
PaceSipper
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
maltyhoppyroasted
malty
hoppy
roasted
citrusy
caramel
Aroma
The nose leads with warm caramel and biscuit notes from Maris Otter and Biscuit malts, underscored by subtle roasted undertones.
not found:juicy,bready,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Tarnation

◎ Appearance

Deep amber to copper-brown in the glass, reflecting the four-malt foundation and roasted character. The beer presents good clarity with a dense, tan head that builds quickly and clings to the sides with visible lacing. Carbonation is moderate, supporting a creamy collar that persists through the drink.

deep ambertan headclear to brightgood lacing

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with warm caramel and biscuit notes from Maris Otter and Biscuit malts, underscored by subtle roasted undertones. Citrus and herbal hops—particularly Amarillo and Citra—cut through the malt backbone with zesty orange peel and a light floral lift. The Kölsch yeast contributes a clean, barely perceptible fruity whisper without phenolic distraction.

caramel, biscuitcitrus, orangeroasted maltherbal, clean

◐ Taste

Entry is full and malty, with caramel sweetness and a toasted grain base that anchors the beer confidently. Mid-palate builds structure: biscuity richness from the malt bill meets a balanced bitterness (53 IBU) and assertive citrus hop character that drives complexity without overshadowing the malt. The 9% ABV adds subtle warmth and body, though it remains smooth and integrated rather than hot or spiritous.

malty, caramelcitrus, bitterroasted grainfull-bodied, smooth

◑ Finish

The finish is lengthy and dry, with lingering bitterness and a faint citrus note that fades into a warm, slightly peppery aftertaste. The alcohol presence becomes more apparent on the palate's tail without dominating, leaving a satisfying, malt-forward memory.

dry, bitterlong finishwarming alcohol
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
82
Taste
84
Appearance
80
Finish
79
Serve at 12–16°C

Serve at 12–16°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Pint glass

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Tarnation

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About Strong Ale

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Strong Ale?

Strong Ale is a distinctive beer style with its own characteristic flavour, aroma and colour. Discover what makes it unique and find similar beers on hopIQ.

Finding a similar Strong Ale

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same malty, rich, boozy character as Tarnation will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

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