The Big Hunt

Last week, I attended a tweet-up session hosted by the Flying Dog Brewery. Flying Dog Brewery is Maryland’s largest brewery and the reigning Great American Beer Festival mid-sized Brewery of the Year.

The event was the official DC release of Flying Dog’s very limited Biere De Garde, appropriately named the Garde Dog. They were also serving the Raging Bitch, a Belgian-style IPA brewed to commemorate their 20th Anniversary.

Both beers were very enjoyable, but if I had to choose a favorite, I would have to go with the Raging Bitch. The name alone gives it an edge.

The Garde Dog is Flying Dog’s take on the classic French Biere de Garde style. This style of ale is traditionally brewed in the winter and spring to avoid problems with yeast that can sometimes occur in the warm summer months.

The Garde Dog is a beautiful golden color and pours with a shallow white head. It has a sweet and toasted aroma with hints of caramel and citrus fruits.

There is a nice overall balance to the flavorings of this beer. The citrus fruit flavors are complimented with caramel and a spicy malt sweetness.

Garde Dog’s light mouthfeel and average alcohol content (5.5%) make it a very drinkable beer that would be perfect on a warm summer day.

The following video is of Matt Brophy, Flying Dog’s Executive Brewer, describing the Garde Dog.

The Raging Bitch, on the other hand, is a completely different animal; it’s one feisty son-of-a-bitch! It weighs in at a formidable 8.3% ABV.

This brew has a beautiful citrus aroma with hints of clove, floral hops, and spices. The taste is just as good as the smell, if not better. The herbal hop bitterness and citrus flavors blend beautifully with hints of creamy sweet malt and a slight bite from the 8.3% ABV. Be careful, this bitch bites.

This was the first Tweet-up I have attended and definitely not the last. It’s easy to have a great time when you are surrounded by craft beer lovers, drinking delicious beer, and talking about Hunter S. Thompson and the Gonzo lifestyle.


Raging Bitch

Brewery website: http://www.flyingdogales.com/

Big Hunt website: http://www.thebighuntdc.com/