26 March 2012

Who's Up For a Good Ol' DOGFight?

From the Flying Dog press release:

Frederick's Flying Dog Ales and Scotland's BrewDog are "collaborating" on a joint beer-brewing challenge: Both will be brewing an IPA with NO hops.  That's right, zero international bittering units, at least hop-wise.

Brewers unclear on the concept?  Hardly:

Flying Dog Brewery and BrewDog’s International Arms Race Zero IBU IPA pits brewer against brewer in a battle of the brewing arts. Unlike your standard collaboration, each brewery will craft its own version of the beer, only guided by common ingredients.

“Each of us producing our own beer highlights the human element of the brewing process,” Flying Dog Brewmaster Matt Brophy said. “Even with the same ingredients, the hands that craft it are hugely influential in the end product.”

To achieve a Zero IBU IPA, the brewers agreed upon a list of ingredients – spearmint, bay leaves, rosemary, juniper berries, and elderflower – to replace the bitterness typically imparted by hops.

“When the hardcore team at Flying Dog challenged us to battle, there was no way we wouldn’t take them on,” BrewDog Captain James Watt said. “Now it’s time to see who’s boss.”

The project will also be a battle of illustrators, pitting Gonzo artist Ralph Steadman’s work for Flying Dog against the designs of Johanna Basford, a long-time friend of BrewDog.

“There are so many facets to this project, which are challenging but also exciting,” Brophy said. “We are ready for all out war.”

International Arms Race will be available in June on draft and in 12 oz. bottles (6-packs for Flying Dog, loose case singles for BrewDog) in the Mid-Atlantic U.S. and in the U.K.

No comments: