Flying Dog Mint Julep Ale Review

Name: Flying Dog Mint Julep Ale
Style: Blonde Ale
ABV: 6%
IBUs: N/A

Well, it seems like out of nowhere, Flying Dog Brewing has returned to Minnesota after a 2 1/2 year absence. Me personally, I'm quite excited simply because of the artwork, all of which is done by Ralph Steadman, who is one of my favorite artists. He also worked with renowned writer Hunter S. Thompson, who I also consider to be my all-time favorite writer.

For the time being, let's talk about the beer. Since their return, they've brought with more of their offerings than before, which comes in the form of their Brewhouse Rarities series. The beer which we're looking at in that series is their Mint Julep Pale Ale, which is a Blonde Ale made with Mint Julep.

Appearance - Mildly hazy yellow color with a high amount of visible carbonation. The head is quite thick but rather fizzy, which ultimately settles to a thin film that retains throughout.

Aroma - Getting some pale malts & floral hops followed by some mild grassy notes and just a touch of mint.

Taste - Pale malts & barley upfront with some very light floral hoppiness. Towards the middle is where the mint makes itself known in a very prominent way and lingers throughout while maintaining it's strength. The back end of the palate is more pale malts but is overshadowed by the mint, which stays in the aftertaste throughout.

Well I like the fact there's mint in here but with a blonde ale, it just doesn't mesh well with the style. Had this been done with say a porter or a stout, I think my opinion would be vastly different. As for this beer, it's not offensive but at the same time, I'm not digging it.

Flying Dog Mint Julep Ale - 5/10

Flying Dog Raging Bitch Review

Name: Flying Dog Raging Bitch
Style: Belgian IPA
ABV: 8.3%

Tonight I'm trying out a beer from a brewery that I haven't had for a couple of years: Flying Dog Brewery which based out of Maryland. Perhaps what is most noteworthy about the brewery aside from being from Maryland is that each of the beer label is done by artist Ralph Steadman, whose best known for his artwork with writer Hunter S. Thompson. If you've been to any college dorm across America, chances are that you've probably seen his poster of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas adorned on a wall.

Tonight I will be reviewing a beer called Raging Bitch Belgian Style IPA. It's also the first beer I remember from when I first tried out Flying Dog.

Raging Bitch pours a hazy orange color with a foamy head. The carbonation takes on a rather mild appearance and the lacing retention is also fairly good.

The nose starts out with notes of citrus & piney hops, with caramel malts, spices and yeasts. The Belgian influences are rather noteworthy here.

The flavor also doesn't deviate too much but the caramel maltiness and Belgian profile are more noticeable here, particularly with the Belgian yeasts and clove aspects.

The body is rather moderate in weight but has a sort of thinness to it. It's also mildly carbonated so it allows the drinker to take in the flavors.

Despite it's name, this a very good beer! It utilizes it's Belgian characteristics very well which balances nicely with the citrus & piney hops. All and all, it makes for an excellent Belgian-style ale that is worthy of your attention.

Flying Dog Raging Bitch - 9/10