There are two sides to Aspen
Colorado. At face value Aspen is a wealthy ski resort town frequented by America’s rich
and famous, however there is a darker more creative vein which runs beneath the
surface.
In 1967 the anti-authoritarian iconoclastic journalist and
founder of Gonzo Journalism, Hunter S
Thompson moved into the area. He was soon followed by the expressionist
illustrator Ralph Steadman. In the early 1990’s Aspen
native George Stranahan founded a brewpub and shortly afterwards ended up
meeting both Thompson and Steadman.
The Flying Dog Brewery
George Stanahan’s brewery quickly grew with Steadman being
recruited to design the labels while Thompson quotes were used on the labels.
The brewery became known for brewing big original beers that oozed character
and made provocative statements. In 1995 the brewery ran into trouble with
the authorities when it used the slogan ‘Good Beer. No Shit’ on its labels.
After a lengthy fight the brewery prevailed and the slogan remained.
In 2006 the brewery grew to the point where it was decided
to buy a brewery in Maryland on the East Coast
of the United States
and production was moved there.
In 2007 Flying Dog decided to take the software concept of
open source and apply it to beer. They released recipe information on some of
their products and allowed the public to suggest modifications. Today Flying
Dog is a large craft brewery with distribution around the United States, Europe, Australia and now New Zealand.
The Canis
Major Range
Regional Wines and Spirits are proud to be able to offer for
sale the Canis Major range. The Canis Major range consists of a selection of
Flying Dog’s strongest beers packaged in 207ml ‘nip’ bottles. The small serving
size suits the big nature of these beers. The Canis Major range beers are
available either individually or in the discounted mixed 8 pack sampler pack. Considering
the quality and size of these beers both ways of buying them offer some
seriously good value for money.
Included in the range are:
Gonzo Imperial Porter 
Following Hunter S Thompson’s death in 2005 Flying Dog
decided to release a big hoppy rich porter to celebrate his life. Described as
being deep and complex like Hunter was, Gonzo Porter presents like a strong
American take on the Black IPA style that the Yeastie Boys have made their own.
Pronounced aromas of zesty citrus hops and deep dark cocoa give way to a
complex and satisfying palate with a dark malt backbone perfectly carrying
zesty hop flavours and roasty espresso notes. Highly recommended.
Kerberos Tripel
An American take on the Belgian Tripel style. Light spicy
notes of clove and vanilla with some noble hop character blend with a sweet
biscuity malt character in the nose. In the mouth the beer is extremely well
balanced and drinkable with the spicy character giving way to a long crisp
finish.
Double Dog Double Pale Ale
A seriously big and expertly balanced Imperial India Pale
Ale. Big citrus hop aromas blend with some warm bicuity caramel notes. In the
mouth the beer complex with an initial burst of zesty fruity hops, then a big
cushion of sweet caramel malt, and finally a long dry but not overwhelmingly
bitter finish.
Horn Dog Barley Wine
A big rich complex barley wine. Caramel, nuts, raisins,
liquorish, brown sugar and dried fruit all play a part in an incredibly complex
and well balanced aroma. In the mouth the beer is rich and warming with out
being hot. Dried fortified fruit and big rich caramel malt notes give way to a
long satisfying malt accented finish. Definitely one for the cheese board!
Highly Recommended.
Images souced www.flyingdogales.com