Revolution — Mineshaft Gap (2026)

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Mineshaft Gap (2026) is Revolution Brewing’s celebrated Institutionalized Barleywine transformed by twelve months resting in Cognac barrels of French oak. The result is a deeply layered sipper radiating aromas of toffee, brown sugar, caramel and dried fruit, underpinned by a warming, unmistakable Cognac presence. On the palate, grape, stone fruit and vanilla weave through rich malt sweetness before yielding to a long, oak-tinged finish with a touch of tobacco and warm boozy exhale. Sublimely balanced, it rewards patience and is equally worthy of cellaring.

Food Pairing

A natural companion to aged hard cheeses such as Comté or Gruyère, whose nutty, crystalline character echoes the beer’s caramel malt depth. Also superb alongside a classic crème brûlée, where the Cognac-kissed vanilla and brown sugar notes of the beer mirror the dessert’s rich, torched custard profile.

About Revolution Brewing

Revolution Brewing opened its doors in 2010 as a brewpub on Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood, quickly establishing itself as a cornerstone of the city’s craft beer renaissance. Founded by Josh Deth, whose passion for brewing was ignited during visits to Bell’s Brewery while attending the University of Michigan, the brewery brought together serious talent from the outset. Deth recruited Jim Cibak, a respected brewmaster with experience at notable operations including Three Floyds Brewing, whom he had met during his time at Goose Island Brewery. The operation expanded rapidly, opening a dedicated production facility with canning and bottling lines in the nearby Avondale neighborhood in 2012. Revolution Brewing has earned recognition from the industry’s most prestigious competitions, including the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup, cementing its reputation beyond Chicago. The brewery gained additional cultural prominence when it served as a filming location for the 2013 romantic comedy-drama Drinking Buddies, starring Olivia Wilde and Jake Johnson as brewery employees, introducing Revolution’s authentic brewing environment to a broader audience.