Flying Dog Raging Bitch Belgian IPA

With my final IPA for the day, it's Flying Dog Raging Bitch Belgian IPA.

I'm curious what will make this Belgian, but the look is similar to the other two from earlier in the evening, though the color is a bit more light orange and the head is both bigger and sticking around longer.

The smell is both hoppy and yeasty. Lots of orange and coriander before the hops come in. Not a ton of malt here. But a very bitter finish. Outstanding lacing. I'm getting more Belgian than IPA, but I like this. I believe I'm a fan of these kind of hybrids in general.

Overall, a pretty tasty brew, and it's nice to see some innovation in the style.

Grade: B

P.S. I have only been listening to songs with Bitch in the title while writing this. Let's dig on some Stones together, shall we?

Raging Bitch

Flying Dog is having some issues with Raging Bitch. Again. This time in Michigan. Read it from their perspective here. Personally, I don't see the problem at all. I would think someone old enough to drink beer is mature enough to handle the word "bitch." I don't see how it's more offensive than Michigan's own Founders Dirty Bastard (which is delicious). What say you? Vote in the poll ->
and let me know which is more offensive and which is more delicious!

Sorry about having to sign in. I'm still trying a work around for that one.

Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter

Brewed in honor of Hunter S. Thompson, and featuring artwork by Ralph Steadman (as do all Flying Dog brews), Gonzo Imperial Porter is, in a word, unique.

Starts off deep brown with a nice tan head. Huge roasted malt smell in the nose. The taste is where things get a little off the beaten path. It's creamy and a bit more bitter than most porters. Some vanilla sweetness up front. Chocolate and coffee in the finish along with some wood. A hoppy bitterness lingers, too. Flying Dog doesn't mention if this is barrel aged, but it wouldn't surprise me.

Overall, it's more aggressive than most porters, and it certainly works.

The story of Flying Dog and the influence of Thompson and Steadman is really interesting. You should take the time to read through the history on their site.

Grade: A

Old Scratch Amber Lager - Flying Dog Brewery

Flying Dog's Old Scratch Amber Lager. This is one I've read great things about and was very excited to try. Pours a hazy copper with a decent head. The flavor is light caramel and fruity, but not citrusy. The finish is a little dry and almost tastes like butter. Perhaps more like butterscotch. Very smooth and drinkable. Another very good all-day beer. I'm not blown away by it, but I do like it and would certainly get it again!

To quote Flying Dog, quoting Hunter S. Thompson, "Good people drink good beer." Indeed!

Grade: B