Revolution — Very Special Old Jacket VSOJ

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

The flagship of Revolution’s Deep Wood Series pours rich and contemplative, layering years of barrel patience into a single glass. Decadent caramel and toffee form the foundation, while extended time in bourbon barrels delivers waves of vanilla, toasted oak, and warming bourbon spirit. French oak embellishment adds nuance and structure, framing notes of dark fruit, brown sugar, and molasses. Each sip reveals deeper complexity, with the English barleywine base providing a chewy, malt-forward backbone that’s sweet without being cloying. A world-class sipper that rewards slow appreciation.

Food Pairing

Pair with a slice of sticky toffee pudding or salted caramel cheesecake, where the dessert’s brown sugar richness mirrors the beer’s toffee depth. Alternatively, serve alongside an aged blue cheese like Stilton with toasted walnuts and dried figs, letting the bourbon warmth and dark fruit notes complement the cheese’s pungent complexity.

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.