Beer of the Week

The beer: Pool Hopping

The brewery: Flying Dog Brewery, Frederick, Maryland

Description (from the website): "Crafted to be enjoyed on the sunny deck of your choosing, this stripped-down summer ale offers a big juicy hop presence complimented by a moderate body and low bitterness. With tropical notes of mango and citrus, it pairs perfectly with a speedo, tan lines and doing a whole lotta of nothing."

Would I buy it again? I will say, this beer is certainly very easy to drink. A little too easy. That big juicy hop presence? Maybe if you've never had a beer before. I'm also not really getting the tropical flavors either. It's not terrible, just a bit bland and boring. I was hoping for something juicier and more exciting.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Stroopwafel Cinnamon Blonde

Brewed by: Flying Dog Brewery, Frederick, Maryland

Description (from Untappd): "From the country known for windmills and wooden shoes comes your new favorite treat. A combination of cinnamon and graham cracker, this delightful, sweet treat will have you clicking your wooden heels with delight."

Would I buy it again? This is my favorite of the Snowplowed pack, which is honestly saying something, since both the White Russian and Smoked Porter were good. But this one just has the perfect mix of cinnamon and breadiness, and since it's a blonde ale, it's quite light and drinkable as well. It's a fantastic beer, and I hope Flying Dog makes it again in the future. 

Beer of the Week

The beer: White Russian Blonde Stout

Brewed by: Flying Dog Brewery, Frederick, Maryland

Description (from Untappd): "The only Dude approved beer. Grab your rocks glass and slide on your favorite house robe, this creamy ode to the White Russian cocktail packs all the punch without any of the mixing work."

Would I buy it again? First off, this is a very interesting style. You see blonde ales fairly often, but a blonde stout? Not a very common occurrence. But what that means for this beer is that even though you'd expect a White Russian–flavored beer (something that includes coffee liqueur and cream) to be pretty heavy. But this one isn't. It's very tasty and fairly light as well; it's easy to drink. I'd definitely buy it again.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Smoked Maple Porter

Brewed by: Flying Dog Brewery, Frederick, Maryland

Description (from Untappd): "Available exclusively in Snowplowed Hibernation Pack - The flannel shirts of beer. Brewed with maple syrup and a hefty dose of lumberjack musk, this smoked porter has the perfect smoky sweet balance that feels like a hug from your favorite red and black buffalo check shirt."

Would I buy it again? It's been a while since I've reviewed a Flying Dog beer, but I couldn't resist buying the Snowplowed winter pack, since it had three beers that looked really interesting. We're starting off with the least noteworthy of the bunch. I was promised a smoked maple porter. What I received is certainly smoked, and certainly a porter, but maple? Maybe a little hint of it, but the smoke is definitely dominant in this beer. It's not bad, but it's definitely the weakest of the three beers in the pack. I'd buy it again to get the other two, but I wouldn't get it on its own.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Nuclear Smile

Brewed by: Flying Dog Brewery, Frederick, Maryland

Description (from the website): "Nuclear Smile is exploding into this universe in a haze of glory. A 10% bomb, this hazy IPA has notes of tropical fruit and a hint of coconut. We would say it's going to blow your mind, but really it's going to blow your tastebuds."

Would I buy it again?: I was really kind of surprised how much I liked this beer. It's really, really good, hoppy but not bitter, and definitely fruity and juicy. I would absolutely get it again.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Triple Dog Triple IPA

Brewed by: Flying Dog Brewery, Frederick, Maryland

Description (from the website): "At a whopping 18% ABV, Triple Dog is Flying Dog’s highest-octane brew. Citrus and resinous hop notes dominate the aroma and flavor profile which ends with a touch of alcohol sweetness and a dry finish."

Would I buy it again?: This is one of those beers that is technically a beer, but practically it's kind of not. This beer has an ABV of 18.6%, making it about three times more alcoholic than a regular beer, and you can't get away from that. There is a strong taste of alcohol when you drink this beer. It barely tastes like a beer, and it especially doesn't taste like an IPA. I would buy this beer again, but as an occasional indulgence. Since it's so strong, you have to be careful with it, otherwise that alcohol will sneak up on you. Plus, it's $20 for a four pack, which is quite a lot of money. 

Beer of the Week

The beer: Chesapeake Wheat

Brewed by: Flying Dog Brewery, Frederick, Maryland

Description (from the website): "If you’re looking for a beer with a big impact, look no further. This deliciously crisp wheat ale offers complex fruity and citrus flavors and aromas, all while supporting oyster restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay."

Would I buy it again?: Well, since I've already bought it multiple times, yes, I would buy it again. It's very drinkable, but it's got a nice juiciness I don't often get from wheat beers, or summer-style beers in general. Not something I'd want all the time, but it's a refreshing change of pace, and it's definitely something I'll buy every now and then. Plus it helps restore oysters in the Chesapeake, so you're doing the environment a favor as well.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Raspberry Milk Stout

Brewed by: Flying Dog Brewery, Frederick, Maryland

Description (from the website): "Nothing burns quite like the cold. For that reason, it’s recommended you stay indoors for the duration of winter, hide under a pile of six blankets, and crack open a beer. This beer. Fresh, jammy raspberry adds sweetness and complements the dark malt flavors of chocolate, coffee and lonely isolation. Enjoy, we’ll see you in a few months."

Would I buy it again?: It was better than the other raspberry beers that I've had in the past, as the raspberry taste was nicely balanced with the milk stout base. I'd say it was slightly above average, but I'm not going to go out of my way to buy a beer that's only a bit better than average. That said, if it's sold alongside the S'more Porter like it was in the case that I bought, I'm going to encounter it again, and that's fine. I can live with it.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Operation Breakfast

Brewed by: Flying Dog Brewery, Frederick, Maryland

Description (from the website): "We gave ourselves a singular mission— brew a stout with all the roasted malt flavor you expect from a waffle maker, plus the huge coffee and vanilla flavor of a cafe latte. Well, mission accomplished."

Would I buy it again?: This is a good beer, I won't deny that. It advertises itself as an "all-you-can-eat" coffee vanilla stout, and you know what? I think it captures the breakfast taste very well. But while I would buy it again, it's not something I'd drink very often. It's such a rich and thick beer, I don't think I could do more than one of these in a day. 

Beer of the Week

The beer: S'mores Porter

Brewed by: Flying Dog Brewery, Frederick, Maryland

Description (from the website): "Let's be honest, ain't nobody got time to start a fire, roast a marshmallow, and melt some chocolate— all for a dessert that's gone in two bites. That's why CJ Winpigler pitched the idea of putting everyone's favorite campfire dessert in a convenient 12oz bottle. You want s'more? Well, you got it. In 6.0% ABV liquid form."

Would I buy it again?: A couple years ago I reviewed Saranac's S'more Porter and had many good things to say about it. But it's been nearly impossible to find since. So when I saw that Flying Dog had one as part of their winter variety pack, I knew I had to get some. And you know what? I think it's just as good, and I'm sure I'll be buying more than one of these variety packs. Or, Flying Dog, you could sell this one on its own ... please? Save my wallet a little bit?

Beer of the Week

The beer: Chocolate Fever Chocolate IPA

Brewed by: Flying Dog Brewery, Frederick, Maryland

Description (from the website): "Decadent and flavorful, this chocolate IPA is what happens when Charlie grows up, sells his factory full of a Oompa Loompas for cold hard cash, then starts up his own craft brewery to impress the ladies. Show your ticket at the gate and climb aboard, this IPA tastes like a psychedelic boat ride down an indoor river of chocolate."

Would I buy it again?: I was really curious about this one because it seemed like such an odd juxtaposition of flavors. Chocolate in an IPA? Would the sweetness of the chocolate counter the bitterness of the hops? The answer: Not really. The two flavors don't really complement each other in any way. It's still bitter, but the hops drag the chocolate down with it, so it ends up being a really thick and not very drinkable IPA. This is something they regularly make, not a Brewhouse Rarity, so there must be an audience for it. I'm just not one of them.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Dead Rise Old Bay Gose

Brewed by: Flying Dog Brewery, Frederick, Maryland

Description (from the website): "Our most-piloted beer to date is brewed with the rugged spirit of the Chesapeake Bay watermen. Born in the heart of crab country, Dead Rise started as a gose, highlighting the bold spiciness of Maryland’s most beloved culinary staple: OLD BAY seasoning. Over the years, Dead Rise has evolved into an easy-drinking blonde ale, perfect for backyard BBQs, deck parties, and sunny summer days drifting aimlessly on the water in a speedboat that’s run out of gas. The combination of lemon peel and Cascade and Citra hops make this beer the perfect sidekick for seafood, seafood, seafood, and also seafood."

Would I buy it again?: I got suckered in by the Old Bay beer that Flying Dog made last year, but this year was going to be different. I wasn't going to do it, but then a friend wanted me to buy some, so I bought some for myself too. Not again though. I'll drink pretty much any beer, but I really do not enjoy drinking this. Old Bay and beer don't mix, and I also don't like goses or sour beers. So this gets a big "no thanks" from me.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Irish Coffee Stout

Brewed by: Flying Dog Brewery, Frederick, Maryland

Description (from the website): "When Steve Olintz pitched us the idea of an Irish coffee stout, he also taught us an old Irish blessing: 'May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. Coffee is for closers. Let's go eat tacos.' Indeed, Steve. Let's go eat tacos."

Would I buy it again?: Oh, I wish I could, but this is one of Flying Dog's Brewhouse Rarities, so they made it once and won't do so again. Which is a shame, because it's incredibly good. Better than any other coffee stout I've ever had. I bought a six pack in February and stretched it out until July, which was honestly a huge challenge. So, a note to Flying Dog: Make this beer again. That and the Cookies 'N Cream Milk Stout. Both top tier beers.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Bleacher Beer

Brewed by: Flying Dog Brewery, Frederick, Maryland

Description (from the website): "Ain’t the beer cold! Crafted for those of us relegated to the bleachers, this crisp, crushable, canned lager combines distinctive biscuit and cracker malt notes with subtle grass and citrus hop aromas for a beer that’s built for baseball. And with an ABV well below the Mendoza Line, feel free to choke up and double-fist your way through that double-header. Pair Bleacher Beer with peanuts, Cracker Jacks and tears harvested from young Yankee fans. Another round? O! Yeah!"

Would I buy it again?: Honestly, I wasn't a big fan of this. Not even on the "It's about as good as a Yuengling, but more expensive" way, but in a this beer just isn't that good sort of way. In my opinion, it's just a bit too light for my taste. Not enough beer taste.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Night Putting Pale Ale

Brewed by: Flying Dog Brewery, Frederick, Maryland

Description (from the website): "This is THE GOLF BEER. Light and easy to drink, Night Putting's 16oz can is the perfect companion for the course. Brewed in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Caddyshack, the greatest golf movie ever. A subtle malt profile paired with a balanced blend of bitter hops and sweet oats make this new-and-improved pale ale a versatile and easy-to-drink option for afternoons on or off the course."

Would I buy it again?: Naturally, when I heard that Flying Dog had made a golf-themed beer, I knew that I had to review it here. And it's exactly what it says it is: an easily drinkable pale ale. It's the sort of beer one could enjoy while out hacking around the golf course on your cart. I might buy it again because I am a golfer and I feel like I should, but it's a pretty standard pale ale, there's probably hundreds of beers out there just like it.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Cookies 'N Cream Milk Stout

Brewed by: Flying Dog Brewery, Frederick, Maryland

Description (from the website): "Tiptoe to the kitchen. Avoid the creaky floorboard. Wait a minute–you're a freaking adult, and you can have cookies anytime you want! Kristin Hanna believes everyone deserves a 2 a.m. sweet treat, which is why she pitched this decadent Brewhouse Rarity. Inspired by her favorite late-night indulgence, this Cookies and Cream stout is an ode to that last swig of milk after you've dipped, 2, 3, 4...okay 5 cookies in it. So drink up; calories don't count after midnight."

Would I buy it again?: It's been a while since I reviewed a Flying Dog beer. Honestly, it almost feels like cheating, since it is the big hometown beer. But this is one of their Brewhouse Rarities, and when I saw the announcement for it, I was just way too intrigued to pass it up. And I'm happy to report that it is as tasty as it sounds. Not too heavy-handed, just the right amount of flavor. I hope they keep making it.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Tropical Bitch Belgian IPA

Brewed by: Flying Dog Brewery, Frederick, Maryland

Description (from the website): "For years, she's gone walking. When she passes, she lures you in. And time after glorious time, she never disappoints. Tall and tan and young and lovely. You smile. With a swing so cool and a sway so gentle, you'll give your heart gladly." Not the most informative description.

Would I buy it again?: This was a bit of a weird choice for me, this is not the sort of beer I'd normally get. But I was at a place with not a huge selection and I wanted something different. So I got a Belgian IPA. And you know what? It was honestly pretty good. A bit hoppy for my taste, but everything else about it was to my liking. I wouldn't go rushing out for more, but considering how easy it is for me to get, I could definitely see myself buying another six-pack of the stuff.

Beer of the Week

The beer: English Breakfast Stout

Brewed by: Flying Dog Brewery, Frederick, Maryland

Description (from the website): "A full English. A full monty. It can be called whatever, but it's somehow becoming a measuring stick for what breakfast should be. Anytime I can start a day with sausage, bacon, baked beans, tomatoes, fried bread and eggs, I'm in. The only thing missing is a beer to complement it all, and that was the dream for this concept. Rich and robust, with a bit of bitterness from English breakfast tea, and another excuse to drink beer before noon."

Would I buy it again?: Yes, but I sincerely doubt I'll be able to. I don't think I've reviewed one of Flying Dog's Brewhouse Rarities, but as the name implies, the beers are quite rare. It's a case of they make one batch and that's it. They're usually quite weird; to be honest, a breakfast stout with English tea in it is actually pretty tame (I'm looking at you, Tropical Stout). I don't eat breakfast so I can't vouch for its pairing with a traditional English breakfast, but it's quite good on its own.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Dead Rise Old Bay Summer Ale

Brewed by: Flying Dog Brewery, Frederick, Maryland

Description (from the website): "Dead Rise was brewed to highlight the indelible, bold character of OLD BAY with citrus hop notes and a crisp, tart finish. Pair it with tables piled high with shrimp, corn, and Maryland Blue Crab."

Would I buy it again?: Someone's gonna have to take away my Maryland license, because I did not really care for this at all. Old Bay has its place, but beer is not one of those places. However, seeing as Flying Dog is in Frederick, and I'm also in Frederick, I can't completely discount the notion of buying this beer again. It may happen. But it wouldn't be my first choice.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Saw Bones Ginger Table Beer

Brewed by: Flying Dog Brewery, Frederick, Maryland.

Description (from the website): "During the height of the Civil War, our hometown of Frederick was given the nickname “One Vast Hospital.” With Maryland smack dab in the middle of the Union and Confederacy, patients often outnumbered residents. To this day, if you stand on a quiet street after sunset, you can still hear them singing “Hard Tack Come Again No More.” Despite pioneering a good bit of modern medicine, doctors were dubbed “saw bones.” While the literal sometimes occurred for those on the wrong end of a musket, Saw Bones were also revered for hand-made elixirs in which the cure-all nature of both ginger and lemon were common. To pay homage to the hard-working people on Mercy Street, we enlisted the National Museum of Civil War Medicine to bring you a new Saw Bones in the form of a Belgian-style table beer with ginger and lemon. Crisp and clean on the palette with bold citrus, spice and malt character, it’s just what the doctor ordered."

Would I buy it again?: Definitely. For one thing, it supports a very neat local museum (the National Museum of Civil War Medicine). Also, it's pretty good. A very nice summer beer. And it's rare too, you can't even get this at the Flying Dog brewery itself, you can either get it at the museum, or at a nearby bar. That's it.