Beer Review: Flying Dog Raging Bitch

Hoppy, strong, bitter and delicious
by David Covucci on Dec 23, 2011 in Beer
Beer Review: Flying Dog Raging Bitch

The intensely hoppy style known as India Pale Ale originated in Great Britain, but the U.S. has largely taken over the art form of infusing brews with beautifully bitter flavor. There are a huge number of IPAs out there, and no one brews a better one than Flying Dog Brewery, originally based in Denver, CO, and now in Fredricksburg, MD.

The much celebrated Raging Bitch Belgian IPA hasn’t even been in the Flying Dog arsenal that long. The company’s first IPA was known as Snake Dog. But for the Great American Beer Festival in 2010, in celebration of their 20th anniversary, the brewery set out to create a new and improved rendition. And out came a Raging Bitch that was so popular, they decided to make it a year-round staple.

It’s beer not to be messed with. Uncap a bottle or take a whiff of a draft fresh from the tap and you’ll be hit with a floral aroma laced with a scent of citrus, which comes from grapefruits hops with grapefruit notes used in the process. The beer pours like the best IPAs should, with a thick but airy white head atop a dark, deep amber body.

The first sip hits you with hops, a bite that the brewers liken to being attacked by a rabid dog. It’s overwhelming and it should be. The ale is brewed with three different types of hops, and comes in at 60 on the International Bitterness Units scale – high even for an IPA. That’s not the only part of Raging Bitch that tops the charts. The beer is a strong, clocking in at 8.3%. However, beneath these hefty numbers is a strong malty body, which helps undercut some of the intensity and allows drinkers to enjoy this first-rate quaff from first sip to last. And then, makes you want to follow it with a second one.

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Baltimore's Coolest Rooftop Bars for Summer Drinking

Baltimore's Coolest Rooftop Bars for Summer Drinking

Whether it's on warm summer nights or with the briskness of spring and fall evenings, drinking is often at its best when it's al fresco. ...read more ›

by Jennifer Waldera Jul 31, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Where to Drink Outside in Baltimore During Summer 2019

Where to Drink Outside in Baltimore During Summer 2019

Whether it's on the waterfront with seafood and crushes or on a dog-friendly deck with whiskey, outdoor drinking is a staple in this city....read more ›

by Jennifer Waldera May 14, 2019
Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

In a huge move for the American craft beer community, Boston Beer and Dogfish Head have agreed to a merger valued at $300 million dollars. ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 10, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close