Despite their ready availability, I have sampled very little of the Flying Dog portfolio. While not necessarily intentional, it is a travesty I intend on correcting at some point. When, I cannot say for sure, but more likely slowly and surely then all at once. Keeping that in mind, I have before me today the Flying Dog Porter. Much like Unibroue, besides the good brew inside, Flying Dog is known for their creative label art, many of which pay homage to the literary genius that is Hunter S. Thompson. Something tells me that he would approve of this beer, much as I found I did.

My Flying Dog Porter pours an earthen black with a thick tan head which fades ever so slowly into a soft blanket of temptation. Marking her previous trail is a splintered network of lace, always a gorgeous site to behold. Raising her glass-encapsulated body to my nose, I am greeted by lemon zest, raisins, and soft notes of chocolate, vanilla, and cream. Her body follows suit with a pleasantly light, soft and frothy sensory indulgence. Fresh notes of chocolate, coffee, raisins, prunes, and a crisp lemon finish brings me immediately to my next equally enjoyable quaff. A growing dry finish moves me past the lemon zest to more lingering chocolate and coffee notes. It’s as if the lemon nibs act as a wakeup call, ensuring the Flying Dog Porter has my full attention as she dazzles my tastebuds. Rich and complex without getting in my face, my Flying Dog Porter was a quaffing delight from start to finish.

Another fine brew from Flying Dog, one which furthers my belief that Flying Dog has achieved a perfect balance between being complex without being confusing, and quaffable without being weak and watery. If you are looking for a more commanding porter, then give their Gonzo Imperial Porter a try, but otherwise one needs look no further than their regular porter.


good boy! good boy!