Chicagoist Beer Of The Week: Revolution Brewing's 'Fistmas' Holiday Ale

By Jason Baldacci in Food on Nov 30, 2012 8:00PM

It's the last day of November and, come tomorrow, those Christmas songs we've already heard trickling out of speakers in stores across the city are going to get turned up to 11. There's no use resisting, since it's only going to get worse, so we here at Chicagoist plan to embrace it the best way we know how: with a drink.

Our recommendation to succumb to December is the 'Fistmas' Holiday Ale from Revolution Brewing. This amber ale probably isn't exactly what you'd expect, as Christmas beers tend to be rich, syrupy concoctions that almost require a spoon to consume. At a very manageable 6.1 percent alcohol content, this amber ale relies on the ginger and orange peel it's spiced with to lend some holiday swagger. Don't get us wrong, 'Fistmas' is a touch sweet, but the orange peel notes play off the juicy malts nicely for a relatively full-bodied feel, and the brewery uses Chinook hops to lend a nice heft of spice and pine that lasts from start to finish. Throughout every sip, there are nice hints of dark caramel, fresh baked bread and chestnuts (which may or may not have been roasted on an open fire).

For food, the 'Fistmas' just screams for a Christmas ham, especially one that has some sort of orange glaze to go with it. The piney notes from the Chinook hops will pick up spice well, and the juiciness of the malts in the beer will stand up to plenty of salt and smokiness if they have to. If you're not hungry, there's nothing to worry about. Just find a fireplace somewhere, put on an ugly sweater, and toss back a few pints with some good company.

Try the 'Fistmas' Holiday Ale on tap at Revolution's Brewpub in Logan Square, or at the Village Tap in Roscoe Village. Keep your eyes peeled for some 22oz bottles as well, they make wonderful stocking stuffers.