MD Brewery Challenge #40

Frederick, MD

I have never visited Maryland’s largest brewery, Flying Dog Brewery. On a beautiful October day, John and I headed up to Frederick to visit my 40th brewery in the MD Brewery Challenge. 

The Flying Dog brewery is huge. Outside, hops grow up the wall. A food truck sat outside waiting for the tasting room to open.  While waiting, I took a few pictures and talked to a few people waiting to go inside. A fellow from Silver Spring held a few Flying Dog growlers to fill. I asked him about his favorite beer – he just said whatever was new.

It was too hot and sunny to sit outside, so we decided to sit inside. We were offered a chance to go on a 45-minute brewery tour.  Time constraints prevented us from going on the tour. Next time!

Although I am familiar with many of Flying Dog’s beers, I still ordered a flight. I’ve included my notes about the four samples:

• Double Dog – High alcohol cask beer. A sort of syrupy mouthfeel with a very dry finish. A complex, interesting beer with some lemon&lime peel
• Bloodline Blood Orange Ale – An old favorite. A nice mix of piney hops and orange. Yummy!
• Dogtoberfest – A deliciously sweet Marzen.
• Raging Bitch Belgian IPA – Belgian esters mixed with bitter pine hops.

A steady stream of visitors kept coming into the taproom. People were having a beer before the tour. We enjoyed sipping on our beers and doing a little people watching.

John mentioned that Flying Dog would be a nice place to visit on a summer night before watching a baseball game at the Frederick Keys. Maybe, have dinner at Barley and Hops.

Cheers!

Warren