![](https://revbrew.imgix.net/general/DethsBarrels.jpg?crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1200&q=80&w=2400&s=7eb95270503f756774f0b9510fc45ac0 2400w, https://revbrew.imgix.net/general/DethsBarrels.jpg?crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=900&q=80&w=1800&s=0111f88bb73572a68aa85f991af91b5e 1800w, https://revbrew.imgix.net/general/DethsBarrels.jpg?crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=1200&s=6271ee99287f7d77d29f1774ec06e94f 1200w, https://revbrew.imgix.net/general/DethsBarrels.jpg?crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=600&s=7318ca939493b89014bec117d206933b 600w)
The 2020/2021 Deep Wood Series
Introducing another barrel-celebrating lineup from the Revolution Brewing team.
It's time to pull back the curtain on what our Brewing, Cellar, and Barrel teams have been tirelessly (and secretly) working on since we wrapped up last year's Deep Wood Series. While revealing the beers is not quite drinking-them-right-now good, it comes close when we get to see those first reactions to the new surprises. And we've got some superior ones this year -- apple brandy barrels to finish our lustrous Ryeway, the elevation of Maple Deth (and our partnership with Chicago Maple), and a refined double-barrel stunner we can't wait to start pouring.
Less apparent at first, but more important with each vintage, is the key to everything -- another year spent by our brewers learning, testing, refining, and getting that much closer to their perfect version of barrel-aged beers. We’ve always viewed the Deep Wood Series as a series of stops along a long, winding path. And while we unveil our barrel-aged offerings once a year, each beer in the series is the cumulative result of our years of brewing, aging, and blending different approaches to the world’s finest beverage.
That said, the time is here again to show you what we’ve been excitedly keeping to ourselves for what feels like far too long. It’s almost time to sit down and savor the big, warm beers that make the wait worth it every time. Our team has worked hard to create a curbside release experience that's safe and easy for our friends and our employees, and we're ready to bring that approach to the whole Fall/Winter series. Over the next several months, we'll get these beers into your hands a few at a time so you can appreciate the nuance and thought our team put into each offering.
This year, that amble deep into the wood was more purposeful than ever. There are just north of 1,100 53-gallon bourbon barrels (plus a few fun non-bourbon ones) in our inventory at any one time. They’re in the Taproom stacks, yes, but they’re also in a tarped-off area next to our main cooler, in a few stacks out on the production floor from time to time, and wherever else we can find the real estate for a little more barrel-aged goodness. And while they’re separate in footprint by necessity, they’re more unified in purpose than ever before.
Marty Scott is the Barrel Program Lead for Revolution (though he prefers Secretary of Lumber), and the one tasked with taking the different component brews (some sweet, some dry) and carefully aging them and tracking their progress within the barrels he sources. And he'll be the first to tell you that the popular conception of an "unaged" version of a Deep Wood beer doesn't reflect our production anymore.
"Every single turn from the brewhouse for the Deep Wood program has a purpose. Every time we mash in, we know what that finished product is going to be, whether it's sweet component for extended aging, or a dry component that balances the final product," he said. "That sweet component is the dynamic part of the equation. Barrel selection has ensured that we've constantly got quality barrels with good bourbon and life left in the lumber. And the longer these sweet component barrels sits, the more oak they get, the longer they're oxidizing, the more that increased sugar concentration is going to become evident. They’re like concentrated flavor. We only use enough dry component to hit balance."
In 2019, this approach culminated in a singular vintage of Deth’s Tar that featured four different barrel years. This year's lineup hits with more barrel variety, blend complexity, and stylistic flair than ever – though we’re also bringing back refreshed versions of some of your favorite Deep Wood variants over the years.
"We've really hit lately with traditional beers, engineered for ridiculous amounts of development, complexity and sweetness," Scott said. "Pair that with the improvements we make every year, and this year should be a banner year."
Thanks again for joining us for another relaxing trip into the Deep Wood. We promise you’ll enjoy yourselves.
SEPTEMBER 18 -- MEET THE THUNDERTAKER
We’re kicking things off a little earlier this year, with the long-awaited release of our Thundertaker collaboration with our friends at Binny’s Beverage Depot.
![](https://revbrew.imgix.net/beer/Thundertaker-web.png?fit=clip&h=660&q=80&w=330&s=12e34c5b57695c06df449eb1fd83aa5c 330w, https://revbrew.imgix.net/beer/Thundertaker-web.png?fit=clip&h=300&q=80&w=150&s=9f616f78017696acbbca6f9d94c6cf88 150w)
Thundertaker
Imperial Rye Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels
When Binny’s offered us access to their hand-selected Blanton’s and Buffalo Trace barrels we knew we’d have to produce a beer equal to the task. Built for body, barrel, and a boldly sweet finish, this Imperial Rye Stout is loaded with Canadian Rye Malt as well as English and German specialty barley varieties creating a deep and dynamic malt structure. The barrels, well they speak for themselves, don’t they?
Alc. by vol. – 14.6%
OCTOBER 23 -- BARREL- AGED IMPERIAL OATMEAL STOUT, ANY WAY YOU WANT IT
After a 2019 release with four different vintage years, our Brewers return to the centerpiece of the Deep Wood Series – grab the original, try it with freshly roasted coffee beans, or see how we’ve scaled up a favorite 2019 draft variant.
![](https://revbrew.imgix.net/beer/DethsTar-WebCan.png?fit=clip&h=660&q=80&w=330&s=8ce51139d54c6006dff11886c83aadf5 326w, https://revbrew.imgix.net/beer/DethsTar-WebCan.png?fit=clip&h=300&q=80&w=150&s=414bfb5f3d35f806b4a9d316a883f5ee 150w)
Deth's Tar (2020)
Barrel-Aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout
Witness the firepower of this fully operational Barrel-Aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout. Brewed with English specialty malts and the addition of flaked and malted oats to create a rich, chocolaty profile and silky mouthfeel that cloaks its considerable strength. The American oak barrels continue to build layers of complexity, reminiscent of vanilla, toasted coconut and caramel candy after aging this dark menace a full 12 months.
Alc. by vol. – 14.8%
Bitterness - 35 IBUs
- Awards
- Bronze (Strong Porter/Stout) - Festival of Barrel Aged Beers (2015)
![](https://revbrew.imgix.net/beer/CafeDeth-WebCan.png?fit=clip&h=660&q=80&w=330&s=8451600431552ed3967185bfcbc928a5 326w, https://revbrew.imgix.net/beer/CafeDeth-WebCan.png?fit=clip&h=300&q=80&w=150&s=d5b1af2c8685449d44f2b44e60af12f7 150w)
Café Deth® (2020)
Barrel-Aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout with Coffee
A weaponized quantity of freshly roasted whole bean coffee from Dark Matter Coffee Roasters imbues our Deth’s Tar Barrel-Aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout with assertive coffee aromatics without overshadowing the base beer on the palate. Pair with rich food or enjoy on its own. Keep cold. Enjoy now. We mean it.
Alc. by vol. – 14.8%
Bitterness - 35 IBUs
![](https://revbrew.imgix.net/beer/MapleDeth-web_200825_180946.png?fit=clip&h=660&q=80&w=330&s=6b9be470c7c27e3882403b00a1296694 330w, https://revbrew.imgix.net/beer/MapleDeth-web_200825_180946.png?fit=clip&h=300&q=80&w=150&s=831e6bdcd5fc933325488aca045ee01c 150w)
Maple Deth (2020)
Imperial Stout Aged in Maple Syrup - Bourbon Barrels
Brought to you with our friends at Chicago Maple, this comforting sipper spent time resting in freshly emptied maple syrup bourbon barrels. Then we sweetened the beer with that same bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup to produce notes of American oak, spirit, and maple working harmoniously to deliver an experience as approachable as it is satisfying. Drink now or store cold.
Alc. by vol. – 12.8%
Bitterness - 35 IBUs
NOVEMBER 20 -- TWO FAVORITE VARIANTS, PLUS STRAIGHT JACKET
Two of our most popular variations on Deth's Tar and Straight Jacket reappear alongside our favorite barrel-aged Barleywine.
![](https://revbrew.imgix.net/beer/StraightJacket-WebCan.png?fit=clip&h=660&q=80&w=330&s=90216cd6cfe9db0ad0ebe9e530adaa48 326w, https://revbrew.imgix.net/beer/StraightJacket-WebCan.png?fit=clip&h=300&q=80&w=150&s=35bdf2afe8489a9f93daa5f6b7d2ead9 150w)
Straight Jacket® (2020)
Barrel-Aged Barleywine
Our Barleywine Ale features American and Belgian malts which provide the base of this extraordinary ale. After 12 months in bourbon barrels the award-winning Straight Jacket® emerges with notes of stone fruit, toasted coconut, molasses, and vanilla coming in waves as you swirl the glass. Enjoy now or store cold.
Alc. by vol. – 15%
Bitterness - 25 IBUs
- Awards
- Gold (Barleywine/Wheatwine) - Festival of Barrel Aged Beers (2014)
- Category 28: Wood- and Barrel-Aged Beer - GABF (2018)
![](https://revbrew.imgix.net/beer/DethsbyCherries-WebCan.png?fit=clip&h=660&q=80&w=330&s=678f11165645ce3c32690913844351ef 326w, https://revbrew.imgix.net/beer/DethsbyCherries-WebCan.png?fit=clip&h=300&q=80&w=150&s=4140bdf5ca1fb127acd070a2dcf992dc 150w)
Deth by Cherries (2020)
Barrel-Aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout Aged with Cherries
Unfermented tart cherries add a mild acidity and subtly rounding sweetness to our Deth’s Tar Barrel-Aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout. Flavors and aromas of bourbon and oak meld harmoniously with the fruit, each balancing the other. Enjoy now or store cold.
Alc. by vol. – 12.5%
![](https://revbrew.imgix.net/beer/Honeyweb.png?fit=clip&h=660&q=80&w=330&s=3654cc34bbcf19f3a8bc1cb0a44d75d2 326w, https://revbrew.imgix.net/beer/Honeyweb.png?fit=clip&h=300&q=80&w=150&s=1df0648aa31d90635bbb5027654607e1 150w)
Honey Jacket (2020)
Barleywine Ale with Honey
We’re not the only ones who’ve been busy since last Deep Wood season; Revolution’s only permanent residents (residing in a hive on the brewery’s roof) have been pollinating local flora and producing honey for the past year. Not to be outdone, our brewers selected a crop of eighteen-month-old bourbon and rye whiskey barrel-aged English Barleywines to imbue with the bees’ golden elixir. Worth the welts. Enjoy now or store cold.
Alc. by vol. – 14.6%
DECEMBER 11 -- SOPHISTICATED SIPPERS
These barrel-aged blends, built for complexity, showcase the awesome power of barrel aging.
![](https://revbrew.imgix.net/beer/RyewaytoHeaven-WebCan.png?fit=clip&h=660&q=80&w=330&s=7707bb2822eb62b7c74d4eeb6f3433f6 326w, https://revbrew.imgix.net/beer/RyewaytoHeaven-WebCan.png?fit=clip&h=300&q=80&w=150&s=961c60de32a0380d9af67e969ae42823 150w)
Ryeway to Heaven® (2020)
RYE ALE AGED IN RYE BARRELS
Bourbon and rye barrels work together in harmony to breathe life into our Ryewine. This unforgettable ale is brewed with over 60% rye, yielding entirely unique malt- and barrel-derived complexities. Enjoy an ample body that suggests sweetness but still finishes smooth and dry. Enjoy life now, or store cold.
Alc. by vol. – 15.0%
Bitterness - 25 IBUs
![](https://revbrew.imgix.net/beer/DBVSOD-WebCan.png?fit=clip&h=660&q=80&w=330&s=21b19237adedc3d0d8a778f252b6a557 326w, https://revbrew.imgix.net/beer/DBVSOD-WebCan.png?fit=clip&h=300&q=80&w=150&s=d2a69fd4b4c09975f2b9d149202b4aa3 150w)
Double Barrel V.S.O.D. (2020)
Double Barrel-Aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout
The absolute pinnacle of our Deth’s Tar lineup, “Very Special Old Deth - Double Barrel” sits at the intersection of extremity and sophistication. During the second year of aging, a small number of specially selected Deth's Tar barrels are blended then finished in fresh Weller Special Reserve Barrels and Weller 10 year barrels.
Alc. by vol. – 17%
Bitterness - 27 IBUs
![](https://revbrew.imgix.net/beer/MineshaftGap-WebCan.png?fit=clip&h=660&q=80&w=330&s=962e085ba5ff8cf3ebd3e950949a4d25 326w, https://revbrew.imgix.net/beer/MineshaftGap-WebCan.png?fit=clip&h=300&q=80&w=150&s=b591095f9b33d16635a8dd3a18cb1e03 150w)
Mineshaft Gap (2020)
Barrel-Aged Barleywine Aged in Cognac Barrels
Our Institutionalized Barleywine takes shelter in Cognac barrels for 12 months before emerging imbued with characteristics of one of the worlds most storied spirits. French oak adds character that is subdued but complex as compared to American varieties, making this a perfect beer for the best of times or the end of times. Enjoy now or store cold.
Alc. by vol. – 14.3%
JANUARY 22 -- BRANDY BARRELS AND THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP
We wrap up the 2020/21 Deep Wood Series with some very cool new barrels and the collaboration you've been waiting for.
![](https://revbrew.imgix.net/beer/AppleBrandy-can-mockup.png?fit=clip&h=660&q=80&w=330&s=3a05701521e65b3320460eabba4edecb 330w, https://revbrew.imgix.net/beer/AppleBrandy-can-mockup.png?fit=clip&h=300&q=80&w=150&s=d0b0bd220e8194346d7d5a1d302ad6d5 150w)
Apple Brandy Ryeway
Ryewine aged in apple brandy barrels
This playfully explorative rendition of Ryeway to Heaven features, as the name suggests, American oak apple brandy barrels as opposed to the more familiar bourbon and rye whiskey examples. A slightly sweeter blend provides more room for malt-derived flavor development in-barrel, balancing the impact of a wondrously expressive spirit. Drink now or store cold.
Alc. by vol. – 12.3%
FAQs
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How will these releases run?
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While we're going to miss your presence in the Taproom, we want everyone to stay safe for when we do this all again next season. So these releases will run curbside-only, like the Supermassive Café Deth and Mixed Berry Ryeway releases -- online preorders and contact-free pickup.
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How much will the beers cost?
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Each beer will be sold in four-packs of 12-ounce cans, priced at between $25 and $40 per four-pack, depending on the beer.
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Will any of these beers go to distribution?
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Deth's Tar, Café Deth, Straight Jacket, and Ryeway to Heaven will get wide distribution. Deth by Cherries and Mineshaft Gap will see limited distribution. Thundertaker will see distribution at Binny's in addition to at Revolution. Maple Deth, Honey Jacket, Double Barrel V.S.O.D, and Apple Brandy Ryeway will be brewery-only releases.