Cross of Gold:
Nothing too elaborate — just a low-alcohol, easy drinking golden ale — but it’s the place to start for those intimidated or unfamiliar with long and winding beer menus. Not only accessible, it’s also good; Cross of Gold won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 2012.
Hero hop series: Revolution has undertaken a stellar series of seasonal India pale ales featuring the name “Hero,” and there hasn’t been a clunker in the bunch. Citra Hero and Crystal Hero stood out in particular, but they’re all relatively safe bets for hop-forward deliciousness. Next up in the series is Local Hero, which is brewed with Michigan hops. (Note: the brewery’s year-round Anti-Hero IPA isn’t part of the series, but it, too, is a good bet for IPA fans.)
Fistmas: Honestly, this is an odd beer. And that’s what I like about it. Revolution’s holiday seasonal is a red ale with ginger root and orange peel. It’s available from October through February, and was my beer of the month in November 2012.
A Little Crazy: Available between January and May, this is an interesting, but approachable hybrid of Belgian zest and juicy American hops (plus pilsner malt gives A Little Crazy a welcome crispness). Ideal with food or on its own.
(Ask your server): The most creative breweries — like Revolution — are always tapping a new keg of something. Ask your server what limited-run beers are on tap that you might never have the chance to try again. This is good practice at any brew pub.
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