Beer Review: Flying Dog The Truth Imperial IPA

by Jordan Davis on Sep 24, 2013 in Beer
Beer Review: Flying Dog The Truth Imperial IPA

Flying Dog started out as a brewpub in Aspen, not far from the late Hunter S. Thompson’s place — in fact, the brewery’s founder was a friend of the gonzo journalist. (As someone who grew up liking the comic strip Doonesbury best when it featured Thompson’s alter-ego, Duke, we always smile at the association.) After its launch in 1990, Flying Dog expanded to a brewery in Denver in 1994, and then relocated to Frederick, Maryland in 2008.

The Truth is a new addition to the Flying Dog year-round list, and it aims to impress hopheads with the usual overclocking that comes with the Imperial prefix. Ringing in at 8.7% alcohol and 120 IBUs, this beer will be a true endurance test for most casual beer drinkers, and an eyebrow raiser for collectors. (For comparison, Sixpoint Resin is 9.1% alcohol but only 103 IBUs.) Flying Dog leaves a little more harshness in the finish of their beers than most small brewers — though we welcome that harshness from time to time.

The brewery continues its relationship with Thompson by using work from Thompson’s illustrator Ralph Steadman for all its beer labels. It’s noble of them to continue to honor their late friend — Thompson’s gonzo journalism means less to younger beer drinkers every year — but Steadman is a distinctive pro in his own right. His inky scrawl caricatures make the brand easy to identify on the shelf. The grotesque man-in-suit on The Truth’s label recalls the frightening paintings of Francis Bacon, a fitting match for the beer inside.

The Truth pours amber with a very slight head and little fizz. You can smell the hops, with notes of lemon and cola. The taste delivers on the name’s promise — this is a true intense IPA that starts bitter and ends bitter. Hard to imagine a well-adjusted emperor drinking more than one of these, but then, it’s hard to imagine a well-adjusted emperor. Pairs well with a late night bacon snack, or cheese and onions (strong stuff, if you get our drift).

Flying Dog is rolling out The Truth in Maryland and D.C. now, with other states to come. We didn’t see it in stores in West Virginia and Pennsylvania that carried other Flying Dog brews this past weekend, but it will eventually be distributed there, as well as in Colorado, New York and dozens of other states. If you like your dark chocolate higher than 80% cocoa and you prefer a well-steeped cup of Barrys to other kinds of tea (we are in that category, as it happens), when it does turn up where you live, The Truth may be for you.

Top photo by Jordan Davis

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
Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

It's officially summertime in the city, and we can't think of a better way to cool off from DC's heat and humidity than with a cold, boozy cocktail in...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen 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
D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

Whether you're a wino or a wine novice, DC is home to a number of wine bars perfect for casual sipping or for expanding your palate. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 29, 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 D.C. During Summer 2019

Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Patio weather has arrived! Grab your friends, stake a spot at the bar and take advantage of these outdoor spots for drinking and dining. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 14, 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