Best Brewery
Q&A with Ben Savage, CMO
When was Flying Dog founded?
The Flying Dog Brew Pub was founded in 1990 in Aspen, Colo. In 1994, Flying Dog established brewery operations in Denver, Colo., and completely relocated to Frederick in 2006. For more than 10 years, Flying Dog has been a part of the Frederick community, and most of what connects people to the brand is how we have been able to grow deep roots here in Maryland and the mid-Atlantic.
Where is your beer sold?
We sell our beer in 26 states and 15 countries, but the vast majority of our beer is sold in the mid-Atlantic region.
What makes it the best?
We view beer as an art form, and our brewers use their creativity to push the boundaries of many traditional beer styles. We also have an obsession with quality, and we invest heavily in making sure that our beer is world-class from grain to glass.
How many varieties do you have?
We have close to 10 beers that are available year-round, with another 40 or more varieties that are offered seasonally or limited within each calendar year.
What is your best seller?
Raging Bitch Belgian IPA is our most popular beer, with varieties like Snake Dog IPA, Bloodline Blood Orange Ale, and Numero Uno Agave Cerveza consistently growing in popularity.
What are your latest brews?
Our most recent brews are beers we have coming out for the winter season. Our K-9 Winter Warmer is a beer we have been brewing for several years and its always quite popular in the winter months. We also have a few new beers like our Family Drama Imperial Pilsner and our Last Minute Gift variety pack coming out closer to Thanksgiving that will certainly be featured around the area this holiday season.
What makes Frederick County a great place to do business?
Frederick County is full of so many unique, independent businesses that continue to be an inspiration for Flying Dog. There is a true sense of community in Frederick, and we couldn’t be more thankful to be part of such a thriving area.
What makes your business stand out?
I think we have an attitude and a culture that we feel is true for us, and I think that honesty and authenticity are appealing to our fans. We do things that we love or find interesting, and I think that connects with people.
What can visitors to your brewery expect to see?
We have a great tasting room and tour program, and we try to be as accessible as possible. Today, people are more and more interested in understanding where and how the products they buy are made, and we try to offer an experience that really shows people the passion that goes into our beer and who we are as a company.
