Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Flying Dog Wildeman

The Brewers:
Brewmaster: Ben Clark
Company: Flying Dog Brewery
Location: 4607 Wedgewood Blvd., Frederick, MD
Website: http://flyingdogales.com/

The Beer:
Style: Farmhouse IPA
ABV: 7.5%
IBU: 75
Brewed With: Rye, Munich and Wheat Malts and a "secret blend" of hops
Served: Out of my ABC growler, filled at Halftime of Poughkeepsie

The Drink:
Drank out of a 12 oz. Belgian tulip

Beer poured crystal clear and straw yellow.  Head was thick and lingering, and laced very well.  

Aromas of Brettanomyces "funk" and some subtle grain "husk."  Far and away the spicy/earthy hop notes dominate the nose.  

Beer starts with a vigorous carbonation and a crisp, light body.  Start to middle is very slightly tart, with a good hop aroma and bitter.  Finish is long and dry, with a good dose of Brett-style funk and hop character.  A slight grainy "flouriness" also comes through in the finish.  

Overall:
This is a very interesting take on a "done-to-death" style (IPAs, that is).  I'm always a fan of traditional Saisons and Farmhouse ales as well as IPAs, so what could be better than a bit of all 3 in one beer?  Hop presence is big, especially in bitterness (more than aroma in my book), but is complemented very well by the barnyard-esque yeast twang.  An excellently refreshing IPA, I'm glad I had a whole growler, and I would recommend to any hop-head, but if you aren't a big fan of bitter, the yeast zest and huskiness of the beer can really take the edge off that hop pinch.   

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