Revolution Brewing’s Fist City pale ale was first released last summer as a collaborative creation between the Chicago brewery and a Chicago hipster restaurant taco-whiskey heaven Big Star.
It was intended to be a one-time offering, and on tap only at Big Star. But fevered reaction led Revolution to continue making the beer — first for Big Star, then for a handful of other accounts and, now, finally, for all of us. Fist City debuted in cans with year-round availability in April.
In the can: Fist City is a juicy, luscious pale ale with lots of citrus up front — think bright, juicy orange, with a touch of grapefruit rind — that gives way to a finish that's relatively sweet for the style (which makes it a good bet even for people who traditionally might not like pale ales). But as a pale ale should, Fist City shows just enough bitter pine at the finish to tingle the back of the tongue.
It all adds up to a very approachable, satisfying beer that gets bonus points for a visually arresting can that pays homage to the Statue of the Republic, the 65-foot statue built for the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893.
Alcohol: 5.5 percent
Drink it with: Considering that Fist City was created in collaboration with Big Star, tacos are an obvious choice (and don't forget the ceviche and guacamole). Hop-forward beers aren't always the best match to the spice in Mexican food, but Fist City is balanced enough between the bitter and the juicy that it's perfect alongside such a meal.
Find it: Fist City is readily available in six packs of 12-ounce cans, from specialty beer stores to Walgreens.
Once a tap-only hit, Revolution Brewing gives Fist City pale ale a wide release in cans.
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