Revolution Cross of Gold 6Pk

Revolution Cross of Gold 6Pk is a 5.0% ABV American blonde ale from Chicago's Revolution Brewing Company, sold in a six-pack of 12 oz cans. A gold medal winner at both the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup, this crisp golden ale has earned its reputation as one of the defining examples of the American blonde ale style.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.0%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: American Blonde / Golden Ale  |  IBU: 25  |  Brewery: Revolution Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Cross of Gold traces its roots to June 2009, when Brewmaster Jim Cibak first brewed it on Revolution co-founder Josh Deth's basement pilot system — making it one of the very first beers Revolution ever produced. The grain bill features wheat malt for smooth body alongside Munich and Aromatic malts that contribute a distinctive honey-like sweetness. At 25 IBUs and a clean 5.0% ABV, the recipe is deliberately restrained, letting the malt character and delicate hop finish speak without shouting.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Light citrus leads — orange peel and a whisper of pineapple — followed by a gentle honey and graham cracker sweetness from the specialty malts. The nose is inviting without being complex, setting up an easygoing drinking experience.

Taste: Lemon and orange citrus arrive first on the palate, quickly giving way to a mid-palate of honey, cracker, and clean American grain. The wheat malt adds a rounded, medium body that feels fuller than most blonde ales at this ABV, while carbonation keeps everything moving and bright.

Finish: A delicate hop bitterness emerges at the close, balancing the residual malt sweetness cleanly. The finish is dry, short, and refreshingly crisp — the kind that invites another sip almost immediately.

How to Drink Cross of Gold

Serve cold, ideally around 40–45°F, in a pint glass or shaker to let the carbonation bloom. Cross of Gold is built to drink straight from the can on a hot afternoon, but it also works in several beer-cocktail applications. A Shandy (half beer, half lemonade) plays up the existing citrus notes naturally. A Michelada benefits from the ale's clean grain backbone, which stands up to lime and hot sauce without clashing. A Beer Margarita — blending the ale with a classic margarita over ice — gains drinkability from the low bitterness and wheat-driven body.

Best For

• Backyard cookouts and warm-weather day drinking
• Introducing craft beer to friends who typically reach for macro lagers
• Pairing with casual weeknight dinners that need a versatile table beer
• Stocking a cooler for tailgating or outdoor sporting events

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cross of Gold taste like? Cross of Gold delivers bright lemon and orange citrus up front, transitioning into honey and cracker-like malt sweetness with a dry, clean hop finish. It is medium-bodied, well-carbonated, and highly drinkable at 5.0% ABV.

How does Cross of Gold compare to Firestone Walker 805? Both are approachable American blonde ales, but Cross of Gold leans more into honey and aromatic malt sweetness from its Munich and Aromatic malt additions, while 805 tends toward a lighter, more neutral grain profile. Cross of Gold also carries slightly higher ABV (5.0% vs. 4.7%) and notably holds gold medals from both the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup.

Is Cross of Gold good for beginners? Absolutely — its low bitterness (25 IBUs), clean malt sweetness, and moderate alcohol make it one of the most accessible craft blonde ales available, bridging the gap between mainstream lagers and more hop-forward craft styles.

Where is Cross of Gold made? Cross of Gold is brewed by Revolution Brewing Company in Chicago, Illinois. Revolution is one of the largest independently owned breweries in Illinois and has been producing Cross of Gold since the brand's earliest days in 2009.

What foods pair well with Cross of Gold? Grilled chicken or fish tacos complement the citrus and grain notes. A simple Margherita pizza mirrors the ale's clean, malt-forward profile. Lighter salads with vinaigrette work well against the carbonation. Soft pretzels with mustard echo the cracker and honey malt character. Mild cheeses like Havarti or young gouda match the beer's gentle sweetness without overwhelming it.

What sizes does Cross of Gold come in? Cross of Gold is widely available in six-packs of 12 oz cans, and Revolution also distributes it in 15-packs and on draft at select locations.

Is Cross of Gold worth the price? Cross of Gold positions as an everyday craft beer — priced competitively within the domestic craft six-pack tier. Its dual gold medals from the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup provide strong quality validation at this accessible price point, making it a reliable staple rather than a special-occasion purchase.

Why Cross of Gold?

Few American blonde ales carry gold medals from both the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup — Cross of Gold has both. The recipe dates to Revolution Brewing's literal founding moment, first brewed on the basement pilot system that launched the entire operation in 2009. Its grain bill of wheat, Munich, and Aromatic malts gives it more depth and character than most blonde ales while remaining thoroughly sessionable at 5.0% ABV. For a style that rewards restraint and balance over flash, Cross of Gold sets the standard.