Revolution Brewing (2023)

Here's the beautiful thing about Rev - it's still available on their online shop. Just need to find a proxy and you can pay cost.
https://revolution-brewing.myshopify.com/collections/beer-for-pickup

I'd mail you a can if you cover shipping, but you're just going to want more. So your best off buying a 4 pack or two at the end of the day.

 

VSOGDB is moving up to the top echelon of Deep Wood releases for me. Each can gets better. I’ll say it again, Rev has spoiled us.

 

You all are about to make me spring for 2 4-packs. I really wasn’t planning to spend this. Damn you all!

 

Yes, me too. Way better than VSOJ to be honest.

 

just get three 4-pks! You're going to be happy you did...

 

I’m not as enamored as you and I worry your take could contribute to some undeserved hype. I stopped by the pub this afternoon for a fresh, clean take and I found VSOGDB fine - no smoke, as others have confirmed and I was worried about. Dry and easy drinking for the ABV for sure. But I didn’t find it to have anywhere near the same lingering, mouth-coating warmth I experience and fawn over from VSOJ, VSOR, and even other Deep Wood variations like SJ and Ryeway. Perhaps it’s also been too long since you (we all) have had the pleasure of VSOD. And I’ll repeat my long plea for the appearance of VSO Mineshaft!!

Logan Export, on the other hand, was a delight. I’m a big fan of this lager style and think I still prefer Metropolitan’s Dortmunder, but I grabbed a 4pack to go and will definitely buy more, especially as it supports improving an amenity that I can almost see from my house.

 

I’m holding out for their collab box with @GuyFawkes that has 4 crowlers of one offs: Library Blotto Box.

 

I’ll second this: while I have thoroughly enjoyed 2 cans of VSO GBD so far, I’d still rate it last when comparing to the other VSO offerings, including Dark Mode. This isn’t a knock on GDB, but more of just how great the others have been.

Oh and while I’d kill for some VSO Mineshaft, I would be just as happy if regular ole Mineshaft made another appearance this upcoming season…

 

Where's the Maple Deth?

 

I completely spaced on VSOD and DB VSOD, so thanks for that because I felt like I was forgetting something from the packaged VSO line. And I agree on that take for sure. Those are great. But we're gonna have to part ways on things from there. And that's cool. Because it's beer and everyone has different tastes.

That said, it's not just my take. Other people who drink lots of Rev on here seem to have a similar experience to me. I think VSO GDB is great and it exceeded my expectations for the style. Can someone name a better BA Scotch ale they've had? I can't, but my memory can suck so I'd love to hear some contenders if people got them. And if some poor soul on here buys some beer because this dude on the internet says he loves it then has buyers remorse that it didn't meet their hype expectations, well I guess I'll tell them welcome to craft beer.

 

No, does anyone else make a ba scotch ale?

 

Central Waters (Brewer's Reserve Bourbon Barrel Scotch Ale) and Founders (Backwoods Bastard) come immediately to mind.

Neither is as good as Gravedigger Billy nor VSO Gravedigger Billy, in my opinion.

EDIT: my review of the Central Waters from 2015 says that maybe it's every bit as good as the Gravedigger series. I need to revisit that!

 

What @GuyFawkes mentioned are the 2 big ones I think of.

Wulver from Thirsty Dog is great, but doesn't stack up. Alesmith makes one called BA Old Numbskull, but I've never had it. Passed on buying one a few times years ago because it was really expensive. Maybe $40 for a 750ml.

 

Edit:
Founders Backwoods Bastard and Wulver aRe both great.
Always wanted Oskar Blues to make BA Old Chub.


I can't wait to get my hands on VSOGDB. We'll see how it stacks up

 

Only other Scotch Ale that is top tier I can think of is Cigar City Big Sound and BA Big Sound. I just had the regular and loved it. I think the Ale Smith one is Wee Heavy. Old Numbskull is the Barleywine. Both of them are great! Too expensive but great!

 

the last time I had BA old numbskull it was a smaller format- maybe 330 ml? I think this was in 2018. It’s a good beer but body is closer to the central waters stuff.

 

Good call on the Alesmith you're definitely right about that.

And turns out I've had BA Big Sound. Appears I didn't much care for it, but I'm guessing it was an older vintage and I had it amongst a bunch of other beers so who really knows.

 

Locally, Imperial Oak ages their Scotch ale, Wee Willie's Heavy, every year.
Good stuff.

 

After VSO Gravedigger, Piggy is ...whoa! I'm going with 'earthy'. I don't drink enough whisky, or bourbon, to really define this, and Piggy (15.1%) really hits the 'booze' bell harder than VSO (14.8%).

Both are world class.