Anti-Hero - Revolution Brewing Company - Brewpub

sleuthdog

Illinois

4.11/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap into pint glass

Pour: Exceptional clarity. Amber hue with minimal head from tap. Lacing is noticed.

Smell: Grapefruit and some citrus first. Some pine and grass with a touch of biscuit. Not a very aromatic nose.

Taste: Citus notes of pineapple, grapefruit and orange are balanced out by a nice pine resin and touch of grass. Excellently balanced by a cracker and caramel malt making this one somewhat sweet.

Mouthfeel: Ligher bodied and highly drinkable. Crisp and refreshing with an appropriate amount of carbonation.

Overall: If you are looking for an easy drinking warm weather beer, look no further. With this one available in cans it makes it even more likely to be a summer beer. Not the best IPA but one I will easily pick up multiple times in the summer months.

Serving type: on-tap

05-09-2013 01:08:08 | More by sleuthdog

mttaylor1066

Connecticut

4.16/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

A - A coppery yellow beer with a persistent head. Looks inviting.

S - A good American hop kick, just as an IPA should kick

T - Another good dose of hop bitterness, classic for an American IPA.

M - Goes down smooth. I'll have another, bar keep!

O - A good representative of the American style. Leave me alone, I'm drinking.

Serving type: on-tap

03-12-2013 18:13:07 | More by mttaylor1066

Mavigo

Michigan

3.96/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Got this off tap at Gino's East in Chicago. Served in a pint.

A: Pours a honey gold color with a short white head with good amounts of lacing.

S: Hops, citrus notes, wheat, malts

T: Tastes relatively sweet, a bit dry, hints of lemon peel, and of course lots of hops on the finish

M: Medium body, good amounts of carbonation, good balance of flavors with a big emphasis on hops, but that's expected

O: Pretty good beer all around, not really a fan of IPAs, but I still enjoyed it. Recommended by me.

Serving type: on-tap

03-04-2013 00:13:48 | More by Mavigo

Bernardkowalski

5/5  rDev +21.7%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Most Defiantly one of my go too beers, Especially sense it is year round and if you can't find it on tap anywhere, at least you know someone will have it in cans.

A: Has such a beautiful gold body, almost could not ask for a better gold color. light cream head which tends to linger around it's circumference of the glass even while still. steady liveliness too it, carbonation seems to never stop.

S: Weak sweet citrus smell, does not hurt the nose what so ever.

T: Absolutely fits its character as an IPA, Ingredients seem to be balanced just right to not leave any sort of bitter aftertaste. Can't really say it's not bitter only because you should expect that in all APA's or IPA's. no over dominating characters.

M: Beer is not flat at all, i would have to say its more of a light and bubbly style in its self. Very smooth, has a fitting body for its style, no where close to a heavy body, yet far from light.

Serving type: on-tap

02-16-2013 23:18:41 | More by Bernardkowalski

mdfb79

New York

4.1/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

From 01/21/13 notes. had this on tap at the brewpub in Chicago.

a - Pours a clear golden color with one inch of bright white head and moderate carbonation evident. Looks pretty nice.

s - Smells of citrus hops, grapefruit, tropical fruits, fruity malts, pine hops, and some light floral hops. Lots of citrus and hops; very nice nose.

t - Tastes of citrus hops, tropical fruits, grapefruit, fruity malts, and some light pine hops. Taste has more tropical fruit than the nose and some light bitterness. Very nice, though I like the nose a touch better.

m - Medium bodied IPA and moderate carbonation, with some light bitterness.

o - Overall a really nice IPA; I know they are different styles but I liked this better than their Kemps Landing (and the Eugene Porter for that matter); favorite Revolution beer so far. Nice hoppy nose and overall pretty easy to drink; would definitely get it again.

Serving type: on-tap

01-24-2013 23:30:02 | More by mdfb79

Tucquan

Pennsylvania

4.23/5  rDev +2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had this on 2012-07-09 at the brew pub in Chicago, IL (from tasting notes)

A - Pretty clear golden-amber with a 1-finger white head and nice lacing.

S - Hop floral, citrus., pine. Nice.

T - Juicy pineapple, citrus, some pine, plenty of hop bud flavor, caramel as it warms. Delicious.

M - Medium body and carbonation. Smooth and full-bodied.

O - Good stuff. Worth seeking out.

Serving type: on-tap

01-23-2013 16:06:03 | More by Tucquan

hooliganlife

Missouri

4.1/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pour was golden, slightly dull gold. White head

Bitter citrus and sweet tripscal fruit. A nudge of pine and resin.

Very similar to the nose but taken down maybe a few notches. Bursting with hop flavor, never dull. Lots of citrus but a squeeze of pine.

Mild carbonation, slick feel.

Very enjoyable.

Serving type: on-tap

11-12-2012 17:43:21 | More by hooliganlife

tjsdomer2

Illinois

3.68/5  rDev -10.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: Light golden with ok lacing. Very thick as well. Good foam.

Smell: Light metallic floral scent. Balanced citrus and pine as well.

Taste/Mouthfeel: Excellent balance of slightly fruity caramel with pine, lemon, and orange rind hops. Mouthfeel is quite thin, however, especially in the finish.

Overall Drinkability: A good IPA.

Serving type: on-tap

09-29-2012 00:28:06 | More by tjsdomer2

philbe311

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap during a recent swing through Chicago...

A - A finger's worth of lush whimsical pure white colored head... An average bit of moderate paced carbonation... The color is a vibrant copper with a slight amber hue...

S - A strong malt base shines through... Lots a caramel and biscuity goodness.. The hops take a back seat in terms of the aroma... They are mostly a mix of earthy and pine with just a touch of citrus mixed in... Solid, but uninspired...

T - Terrific balance... Equal parts hops and malts... The hops take an a mix of piney, earthy, citrus goodness... The malt base is solid and highlighted by biscuit and caramel... Text book for the style and very well executed...

M - A bit on the lighter side of medium bodied... Moderate carbonation... Sleek... A bit sticky... Sturdy... Even a bit juicy... Even and consistent... Very nice...

D - A very pleasant surprise... I don't know too much about Revolution Brewing Company, but if this brew is any indication, they have a good thing going... This is a very good American IPA that teeters on verge of being outstanding... I highly encourage you to sample if given the opportunity...

Serving type: on-tap

09-08-2012 19:25:13 | More by philbe311

barnzy78

Illinois

4.05/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On-tap at the Geneva Ale House - Geneva, IL

Pours golden with great clarity with a frothy white head that holds great retention and leaves all kinds of sticky lacing all the way down the glass. Aromas are fruity, floral hops, flower bouquet. Tastes are actually floral hops up-front on the palate, sweetened grapefruit, some bitterness, finishes with a toasted, biscuity, almost nutty malt. nice balance, good complexity. A backwards IPA perhaps - most are malty up-front with hops on the back, this is just the opposite - I guess it could go with the name of the beer? Anyway, mouth is creamy, smooth, and medium bodied. Overall, solid IPA and something different!

Serving type: on-tap

08-31-2012 00:14:57 | More by barnzy78

Etan

Illinois

4.13/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Served on-tap in a pint glass.

A: Clear golden orange with a nice white head.

S: Awesome dry-hopped citrus aroma wafts out before I put my nose to the glass. Sweet orange, grapefruit, a bit floral.

T: Not quite as strong as the nose. Sweet tangerine, a bit of grassy bitterness, crisp cracker malt.

M: Light-bodied, light carbonation.

O: This is exactly what I'm looking for in a dry-hopped IPA.

Serving type: on-tap

08-16-2012 00:25:01 | More by Etan

im_allen

4.88/5  rDev +18.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

I get a real "gumball head" feeling here (thats a good thing). When poured from the tap it had the color one would expect from this type of beer. I happened to enjoy the smell, reminded me of summer even while enjoying this beer in an air conditioned bar. For my first taste ever of this brew, I would let my friends in on this secret...its good. Drink it. At 6.5% its a great beer to start and/or end your night. Cheers

Serving type: on-tap

07-29-2012 04:53:43 | More by im_allen

WoodBrew

Illinois

4/5  rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I had the chance to try the Anti Hero at the Haymarket Brewery. The beer pours a light amber with a white head. A lighter beer for an IPA, but the taste is very clean and balanced. The hoppyness is crisp and fresh, but does not sit in your mouth like some IPAs. Overall a very solid IPA that I would drink again and again.

Serving type: on-tap

07-25-2012 01:52:01 | More by WoodBrew

BEERchitect

Kentucky

3.85/5  rDev -6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

And a hero it is not- in fact, with the onslaught of hops that dominate the session, those who have more of a sweet tooth might find this beer more of a villain.

A beautiful collage of orange, amber, and copper is captured with a highlight of hazy appearances. Capped by an eggshell white head and residual lacing, the beer has the standard appearance of all-things-pale ale.

A blend of citrus, pine, and caramel swirl about the nose with the hoppy fruitiness and herbal components leading the way. Caramelized bread or bread crust come to mind as the malts support the hops but don't interfere with the floral dominance.

Hop dominance continues in taste, but not before the hearty caramel sweetness sets the stage early- bread crust slightly burnt caramel, and starchy grains coat the palate as serves as a buffer for the sharp citrusy taste of grapefruit juice, pine needles, mulled hop leaves, and herbal grasses rise from a floral flavor and into a fruity-earthy mid palate before turning sappy bitter to finish. Light on chlorophyll hop vegetation, the beer is otherwise free from yeasty spice or fruity esters.

Richer malt flavors also bring with it a heavier malt base that keeps the beer from complete bitter dominance. But the extra weight prevents the classic dryness that I expect in IPAs. Still the beer is decidedly malty-dry, resinous, and warm with spicy alcohol to finish the beer cleanly and crisply. Only a linger of hop bitterness lasts in the throat.

As a drier midwest-style IPA, the beer will settle well with hop heads of any region or level of hop focus.

Serving type: on-tap

07-07-2012 18:55:08 | More by BEERchitect

Reaper16

Alabama

3.28/5  rDev -20.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

served on-tap at Cheesie's, Chicago, IL, into a pint glass

Pours a pretty typical IPA color, but less cloudy. Which is to say, this is a golden-orange beer with some clarity to its body. A finger and a half of sterling white head. There's nothing special here, but it's an appetizing, attractive beer.

The aroma is pretty average for an American IPA. It might have been impressive 5 years ago, but not now. There's a melange of pine, grapefruit, sweet orange, caramel malt, and ghosts of red fruit. Nothing stands out.

The taste fares a bit better. It's a straightforward pine & resin & citrus IPA, for the most part. The most intriguing component of this beer is the strawberry flavor that's there in the background. I almost scored this a 3.0, because there is a heavy crystal malt presence in this beer. It's tasty though. Worth a quaff.

Medium-bodied, a bit sugary. Overall, this is a solid-enough local IPA. Nothing to get excited over, as it doesn't do anything to distinguish itself from the competition.

Serving type: on-tap

06-24-2012 04:26:05 | More by Reaper16

Treebs

Illinois

4.03/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had this tap during Day One of CCBW at Brixie's. $4 pints as part of their special. Served in a shaker pint.

A: Pours a clear amber color with a solid white head forming on the pour. It leaves cascading waves of lace down the glass.

S: Nice sticky and piney hops. Bursts of light citrus and sweet dough malts.

T: Sweet berry and citrus fruit hops, more bready and sweet malts. Lots of pineapple and a nice piney finish.

M: Medium bodied, a little sticky, with a nice medium carbonation and some sweet and piney fruit on the finish.

O: Great balance between bitter and fruity hops and sweet bread malts. This reminded me a lot of Two Hearted which is never a bad thing.

Serving type: on-tap

05-23-2012 12:40:36 | More by Treebs

RblWthACoz

Pennsylvania

4.08/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Nice somewhat salty IPA that is sure to kick in my hop allergy. Thick and meaty hop tones overall; slightly over done if I'm going to be honest. Carbonation seems a bit too nippy on my tongue. Smooth though overall. A good IPA. I wish I could have tried more beers from this brewery, but such is life. And such is my tolerance.

Serving type: on-tap

04-14-2012 08:14:38 | More by RblWthACoz

Durge

Connecticut

4.1/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Enjoyed at the brewpub in a proper tulip styled glass, this shows a beautiful, clear amber color with a fair white head that retreats to a steady ring and wispy cover. Lacing is a streaky but reasonable testimony to the good stuff to come. The aroma is a very pleasant blend of citrus and pine hops, a little bready as well. The flavor is satisfying caramel malt citrus with piney edges. Malt definitely steps forward but never covers the hoppy tang. A barley bread and citrus pine marriage that goes down very quickly. The body is midland with a bit of coating to the tongue but the carbonation quietly keeps it real drinkable. This is a no brainer sessionable IPA. Nice intro to Revolution!

Serving type: on-tap

04-13-2012 03:47:54 | More by Durge

Khazadum

Illinois

4.6/5  rDev +11.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

The lacing is perfect. I love love love it. Great clear body. Amber body, medium retention on lacing.

Smells so citrus, nice light grassy pine background, a little sharp herbal nature. Blended well but always strong. There is so much hops but initially it was more citrus than anything that it was a mild APA

Big citrus burst, orange, grape zest, middle is biscuit, and finishes out grassy hops. Subtle, simple, and dry finish with a light bitter.

Full bodied but smooth, light but bright. It's a fight to be opposites and blended as one. Amazing.

Serving type: on-tap

03-03-2012 22:50:48 | More by Khazadum

bashiba

Iowa

3.15/5  rDev -23.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Poured a nice clean coppery amber color with a thick white head, some light lacing.

The smell was classic citra, funky and dank with big citrus notes. I love the way citra smells, and it has those characteristics, just not quite enough of them for my taste.

The flavor is suprisingly malty and sweet, big caramel and bready flavors almost overpower the hops. Some nice green and dank hoppy flavors come through along with a touch of tropical fruit and a mild bitterness.

The mouthfeel is a bit thick and syrupy.

This beer seems way under attenuated to me, or just has way to much crystal malts, to sweet and malt dominated. The dry hopping is nice, but not a level I would hope to see. Still a very drinkable IPA.

Serving type: on-tap

02-19-2012 16:28:59 | More by bashiba

rinhaak

Massachusetts

4.18/5  rDev +1.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On tap at Revolution in Chicago.

Pours a crystal clear amber with a gorgeous head thug leaves a perfect lace. The nose is strong with lots of spruce, citrus, grapefruit and lemon. A bit orange zest on the tongue blends with a mild grapefruit flavor and present pine forest.

This is a hoppy beer, but so well balanced that one tastes a lot more than "hops". Almost no bitterness, this is a really well made ipa.

Serving type: on-tap

02-08-2012 18:38:43 | More by rinhaak

TMoney2591

Illinois

4/5  rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Served in a shaker pint glass at Durty Nellie's.

Figured since I paid the cover, I should at least make it worth my while in here and grab a second beer. This one pours a rosy amber topped by a finger of cream foam. The nose comprises grapefruit zest, light pine resin, light caramel, and mandarin orange. The taste brings in more of the same, with more citrus fruits tossed in for good measure. The caramel balances things out pretty nicely without getting either too strong or too sweet. The body is a light medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a fairly creamy feel. Overall, a very nice IPA, something I would not mind drinking on a decently normal basis.

Serving type: on-tap

02-03-2012 07:14:57 | More by TMoney2591

jegross2

Illinois

4.1/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Reviewing the Anti-Hero IPA from Revolution Brewing Company. This is one of the brewpub's three year-round beers (in addition to the Eugene Porter and Organic Bottom Up Wit) that is getting the "canning and distribution" treatment as part of Revolution's expansion. I also had the opportunity to try the "Citra Ice Cream" while enjoying this beer. Yum!
Score: 93

Tap pour in a tulip glass. Forgot to snap a pic of the beer, but I did take a picture of the IPA as part of a five beer taster flight that I ordered (the Anti-Hero IPA, in case you can't read my handwriting, is pictured on the left. You can see my fifth beer taster, The Bandit, behind the four beers prominently pictured).

Appearance: Bright, clear honey-orange color with one finger of foamy cream-colored head that gradually settles into a thin layer. Above average lacing. 4/5

Smell: Fresh, zesty citrus, tropical fruit and pine. A pleasant freshly cut grass smell is in the aroma. Lots of bright orange, grapefruit and tangerine. Subtle caramel malt aroma too. 4.25/5

Taste: Bright citrus and tropical fruit flavors mixed with piney resin. Very fresh flavors. The signature flavor of Citra hops is definitely discernible. Loads of grapefruit, zesty orange, some lemon, and tangerine. Even get some pineapple. Pretty smooth and not very bitter for the amount of piney hops flavor in this brew. Yum. 4.25/5

Mouthfeel: Medium-light bodied with high-medium carbonation. Oily mouthfeel. Finishes dry and bitter. 4.5/5

Overall: This is probably my favorite single IPA brewed in Chicago (note: Galactic Double Daisy Cutter was better, but it is an imperial IPA). It is superior brew to Daisy Cutter, in my opinion, and I wish Anti-Hero would supplant Daisy Cutter as the most frequent on tap "local beer" around Chicago bars. Anti-Hero is an outstanding IPA that I can't wait to consistently enjoy outside of Logan Square, though I hear the formula is getting tweaked slightly to drop the ABV a touch.

Recommendation: I highly recommend this beer for all people who do not hate hops flavor. Beer geeks should seek this one out. It is not overly bitter, but people who can't stand any degree of hoppy bitterness should probably avoid this.

Pairings: Hamburgers.

Cost: $6 for a tulip.

Serving type: on-tap

01-02-2012 07:56:33 | More by jegross2

ChugginOil

Illinois

3.9/5  rDev -5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Anti-Hero IPA

Pours a translucent amber orange with a fluffy finger of head. The lace is thin and sticky.

The nose is full of pine-like hops and sweet malt. Nothing too crazy.

The taste is very bitter based off the potent pine hop offerings. The sweet malt is quite balanced against the hops.

The mouthfeel is very crisp and dry at the finish. Light-medium bodied.

Overall, decent ipa but basically run of the mill. Nothing stands out significantly but its tasty.

Serving type: on-tap

11-27-2011 04:37:22 | More by ChugginOil

lstokes

Illinois

3.9/5  rDev -5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Glowing orange with a nice head. The smell is biscuit-malt and apple juice/grassy hop-heavy--my first thought was, have I accidentally walked into a Kölsch? Taste is more IPA-like--there's still some apple/grass to it, but lots of bright citrus/tropical and some pine notes, and a good residual bitterness. Slightly-but-not-overly sticky mouthfeel. Good IPA (and I had a second one) but probably not one I'd seek out specifically.

Serving type: on-tap

11-17-2011 13:14:22 | More by lstokes