Day 8 of the 7th Annual Holiday Beer Advent-ure Calendar
Day 8: Revolution Brewery Fistmas
Revolution is a pretty well-known brewery for us in the midwest since it’s based in Chicago. We visited it a couple years ago with family; huge facility with very impressive packaging and barrel aging components. They have a rather large portfolio of rotating seasonals, including this holiday offering. Fistmas is fridge staple for many of us during the holidays. It’s a “Holiday red ale steeped with ginger and orange peel. It features notes of fresh-baked bread, caramel, and stone fruit along with holiday cheer.”
Reflections
Ben: Huh. I’m usually a fan of this beer but it’s not hitting the spot right now for some reason. It’s a touch bitter for an Amber/Red but too malty for an IPA. I also get a touch of oxidation but that can’t be since it’s not even two months old. Maybe they went heavy on the orange peel this year? I dunno. If someone offered it to me I’d drink it but I’m not gonna be buying it this year.
Julia: I look forward to this beer every single year and it never disappoints. I don’t normally love a red ale but this one is crisp, light, a tad citrusy and tastes a bit malty. The maltiness is definitely caramel forward. I think all the flavors together give it a little holiday vibe. It’s definitely still not your typical heavy Christmas ale or winter beer but it fits right in. I would never kick this beer out of bed and will always welcome it with open, eager arms
Adam: Forgettable | bland | very bitter | orange rind | just not a very fun beer
Alex: Revolution Brewing Fistmas doesn’t really taste like Christmas to me. Woo, obvious rhyme. I would say it’s a pretty bitter tasting beer, and I can’t taste the ginger that the can advertises. I think I do get a little bit of orange flavor at the end. I probably wouldn’t race to the store for one of these, but it’s not a bad beer in my opinion.
Scott: Fistmas is never one I’m truly excited for, and I’m having similar feelings again this year after trying it. It’s not bad, it’s super drinkable and a Christmas beer that could be ordered in a 20 oz draft, but it’s a little too mild for what I want out of a holiday ale. Credit to revolution brewing because I can see the market for this one, it’s just not my jam.
Christa: Oh Fistmas, we meet again, old friend. I think we’ve tried Fistmas every year I’ve done the Adventure and while this tastes like one of our better batches, it’s still not my favorite. It tastes like a watered down version of a better beer. Subtlety sweet, and a hint of citrus but as soon as I get those flavors, they’re gone. Better luck next year, old buddy.
Tony: This one has been on the calendar a few years in a row and for good reason, its delicious. Its hoppy and bitter but crisp and refreshing with that hint of orange peel at the end. Amber ales can be tricky sometimes but i really like this one. Well balanced, they always have a fun can design and a good tasting beer in my opinion.
Megan: Day Love the can! It’s fun and creative. Why is Santa naked? No one knows but he looks like she’s have a great time. I like that it’s a red ale and the ABV is middle of the road (compared to the previous 2 days) but something is not smelling right to me. I get the orange and ginger but it almost smells a little metallic to me.
Brad: Love the can art. Love the beer. It’s an amber ale but it’s got a subtle IPA flavor to me. Im a big fan of Revolution and always enjoy their beers. I will be purchasing another 6 pack of this tomorrow to enjoy with family and friends around the holidays.
Heather: Citrus and spruce are overpowered by the hops, but still there. I feel like this is one I can drink at a bar with friends with a Santa hat on, although still too hoppy for my everyday taste (shocking, I know). I do love the branding, too. The more I drink it, the more I like it.