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The People’s Republic of Flying Dog is now in session. It’s happy hour at Flying Dog Brewery, so here is your latest dose of irreverence.

Celebrate Your Beer Independence

Independence comes in many forms. For instance, Flying Dog Brewery has been bucking the trends of what it is to be a craft brewery since we started in 1990. Plus craft beer is as American as apple pie and Uncle Sam put together. Everything started about 233 years ago, when our Founding Fathers also decided that they weren’t going to take any more shit from anyone. People like Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin broke from the centuries-old tradition and brought back the long-forgotten concept of Democratic society, and I don’t think I need to tell you about how successful that was. The parallels to Flying Dog are obvious, as we’ve broken the mold of what the traditional brewery should be, in both our award-winning taste as well as our Gonzo labels. We can only hope that the People’s Republic of Flying Dog lasts as long as this great Republic of the United States.

So this July 4th, celebrate your Beer Independence by cruising out to your local beer-selling establishment and pick up some Flying Dog beer. Celebrate your Gonzo ideals of questioning everything and holding people to a high standard in hopes of making this world we live in just a little more fair for everyone, which truly is the Democratic dream, no? It’s either that or scoring chicks, I can’t remember (but I’ve heard that Franklin was especially adept at wooing the ladies, if you get my meaning).

Flying Dogs Take Manhattan

Do you live in or near Manhattan? If you do, you’re going to want to go to the Blind Tiger on Bleecker Street on July 8th. We’ll be on hand and will be pouring more than 15 of our styles starting about 4PM. If you’re a craft beer lover and you live in New York, this is something you’re not going to want to miss.

So cut out of work early and come drink bunches of different Flying Dog brews, and then maybe call in, ahem, sick the next day. More information is available at the event page on our website.

Get To Know Gonzo - Part 1: Ancient Gonzo Wisdom Comes Straight From The Horse’s Mouth

Anita Thompson, as you probably know, is the widow of Hunter S. Thompson. She recently edited a book called Ancient Gonzo Wisdom: Interviews with Hunter S. Thompson, which compiles 400 pages of interviews with the famed Dr. Gonzo (many never-before-available) starting all the way back in 1967. It’s nice to get new content from Hunter, four years after his death. Here’s a nice write-up in Alarm Magazine, and you can buy the book here at Amazon.

Get To Know Gonzo - Part 2: A Little Guilt Tripping Goes A Long Way

A few weeks ago I threw down the gauntlet after this lack of contest-entering that had occurred. You, the People’s Republic of Flying Dog, came through for me by sending in bunches of answers to what is probably the easiest test you’ve ever taken since multiplication tables in 2nd grade. Your task (if you chose to accept it) was to watch a great documentary produced by the venerable BBC and tell me why you liked it. Without further ado, here are the winning entries:

• The Winning Entry (garnering a 50% discount at our newly redesigned online store) comes from Crystal A. Sherman for the following:

We finished our drinks and climbed up the dirt hill. It was getting dark and the countdown had begun. Down the hill and across the street was the Woody Creek Tavern. Tavern patrons were gathered at the top of the hill. There was some guy with underwear on his head, drunk and handing out flavored vodka shots to all takers; lots of cameras, and video recorders. The red drape was pulled down and the fist was flashing green. Fireworks and Explosions and Cheers. Then it was over and they all left immediately to go back down the hill to the tavern. We didn’t believe it was over yet. It was grand, we thought, but not grand enough. Just the two of us and a guy dressed all in blue-jeans. We waited for the real explosion across the valley that would catch everyone else off guard but it never happened. We finally slid down the hill and went back to the tavern. Then Sheriff Braudis and I tried to go through the tavern door at the same time and bounced off of each other. I didn’t need a camera though, I took pictures in my head.

That makes the funeral arrangements the best part of Gonzovision. The rest of the film is some documentary-makers making Hunter nervous. The real shit is Hunter looking at the mountains in his backyard and knowing that his wishes were carried out…and that I was there.

What I like about this is that it incorporates footage from the movie with footage from Crystal’s life. It can’t be beat. The next couple folks came close, though, for other reasons.

•The Runners-Up (also known as those who won, but less so, and receive a 25% discount at our online store) are Sean Gagnon and Greg Long.

Sean’s entry: My favorite section is in part 2, where Hunter and Steadman are driving from Vegas to Hollywood and the car starts acting-up, and Hunter reacts accordingly. I couldn’t stop laughing when I first saw that. (especially when he’s just trying to get out of the little traffic jam at the light) I think that is a good example of what people are talking about when they say that Hunter was always unpredictable but could always make you laugh.

Greg’s entry (which also wins the “Brevity Award”): Did that stewardess really say they were offering nickel beers on the flight to Aspen???!!! That is one damn civilized airline!

Thanks to all who entered. And if you think you could have done better, just remember that the world is run by those who show up, so think about that next time.

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We’ll be bringing you something Gonzo-themed from the world each time the newsletter comes out. Have a link to send us? Email it to joshm {at} flyingdogales {dot} com.

Cheers! Until next time,
-Josh

The People’s Republic of Flying Dog is now in session. It’s happy hour at Flying Dog Brewery, so
here is your latest dose of irreverence.

Flying Dog Gearing Up To Invade Boston For American Craft Beer Festival

Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride through Boston in April 1775 is an integral part of American history that is taught in elementary schools everywhere. Revere instructed Robert Newman (of the old North Church, which was probably the New North Church back then) to hang one lantern if the British were coming by land, and two if they were coming across the Charles River. Newman put out two lanterns, and Paul Revere told everyone of the British plan. This famous ride was immortalized in a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

It’s a good thing the Brits didn’t have access to Flying Dogs for their invasion force because it’s tough to fight something that instills fear in all who gaze upon its magnificent bat-like wings and vicious, toothy growl.

If the Red Coats came by Flying Dog, we’d all probably be speaking with an English accent, drinking pints of bitters and saluting some old wrinkly dude with a crown, because obviously no army wielding Flying Dogs has ever been defeated on the battlefield. We’d all also probably be insanely passionate about soccer games, and when we went out, we’d have these funny white powdered wigs on our heads. But we’d also have afternoon tea every day.

Get ready to put out three lanterns this weekend, because The People’s Republic of Flying Dog is invading Boston for Beer Advocate’s American Craft Beer Fest. We’ll be among the 60+ amazing Craft Beer Mongers pouring beer. We’re bringing Gonzo Imperial Porter, Double Dog Double Pale Ale, Doggie Style Classic Pale Ale and Woody Creek White to serve all the thirsty folks in attendance.

So come by and say hey, and don’t forget to drink a few award-winning Flying Dog ales. We’ll be taking photos of festivalgoers and posting them to our Twitter account throughout the weekend. You’ll be pretty famous after we’ve tweeted about you.

Get To Know Gonzo: The Gonzovision Test Isn’t Over, But You’re All Getting Failing Grades

You’ve all had two weeks to write a few short sentences about the Fear and Loathing in Gonzovision video and email it to me. It’s as simple as that. Sadly, none of you have written back. For shame! This is a great documentary that should be required viewing for every Gonzo enthusiast!

So we’re going to sweeten the deal.

Best response to the question below gets 50% off in our online store and the two next best responses get 25% off. You have one week left. This is ridiculously easy, and while you are trying to win, you might also learn something about what it’s like to be Gonzo in the process.

Question: What was your favorite part of the video?

Email your answers (two or three sentences long) to joshm {at} flyingdogales {dot} com and I’ll put the best answers into this section in an upcoming newsletter. If we publish your response, the reward will be a discount to our online store, but even better, you’ll be earning the respect of your follow citizens of the People’s Republic of Flying Dog.

Here are links to the movie again.

Fear And Loathing In Gonzovision: Part 1     Part 2     Part 3

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We’ll be bringing you something Gonzo-themed from the world each time the newsletter comes out. Have a link to send us? Email it to joshm {at} flyingdogales {dot} com.

Herman’s Hideaway During Free Friday

On Friday, June 26th, Flying Dog Brewery will be sponsoring Herman’s Hideaway’s Free Friday in Denver. This particular event is featuring local Colorado reggae bands, including Lion SoulJahs, Desciples, Fatty Jenkins and Mono Verde. Herman’s, if you don’t know, is a Denver music institution where many great Colorado bands get their start.

The show is free, doors open at 7PM and the bands start at 8PM. Old Scratch Amber Lager and Tire Bite Golden Ale are the featured beers for the evening, and are only $3 per pint! See you there, brah. Please note the sarcasm in the previous sentence.

Flying Dog Poster Contest

Just a little friendly reminder that our poster contest is still happening. You’ve got two months to pick up a rad (and FREE) poster at participating retailers, take a photo of you and your poster hung up somewhere, and enter it in our contest. Check out the contest page for more information. Let’s see some Gonzo creativity, folks!

Art of the Week: They Say Nobody Likes A Copycat, But We Think That They’re OK.

We brought you Tyler’s Flying Dog tattoo last time around and here’s something along those lines. Just around the time we heard from Tyler, we were unleashing our Flying Dog temporary tattoos at festivals and other events. Beerslinger Joe Gomez was at the 18th Annual Stoudt’s Microfest last week, and people went a little nutty with tattoo envy.

Everyone was trying to one-up everyone else. This sort of tattoo escalation is OK in our books. Plus it’s better than trying to one-up everyone in bed, if you get my meaning. Because the person who wins that contest, in reality, turns out to be the loser. But that’s what free clinics are for (nudge, nudge, wink, wink). Here’s the rest of the photos.

Cheers! Until next time,
-Josh

The People’s Republic of Flying Dog is now in session. It’s happy hour at Flying Dog Brewery, so here is your latest dose of irreverence.

Nothing Says Father’s Day Like A Little Doggie Style (T-Shirt) From Flying Dog Brewery

Father’s Day is right around the corner. There are a few ways to handle this. You can either expect a tie or boxer shorts from your wife and kids, but doesn’t that get a little old?

The other way to make sure you get a bad-ass gift is to buy yourself some Flying Dog Merchandise from our brand new online store and ship it to yourself. Then go buy a card, write it to yourself, wrap it and present it to yourself on Father’s Day, on behalf of your loved ones. Because who knows what you want better than you do?

Along with the launch of our spiffy new website, we’ve also recently relaunched our online store. We know that you haven’t been able to satisfy your itch for Flying Dog merch recently, so here’s your chance. Look for more new items to be popping up in the near future.

Are you looking for specific merchandise? Leave us a suggestion on our website by selecting either the “Contact The Dog” tab on the right, or the “Feedback” button on the left. We want to hear from you!

Get To Know Gonzo: Pick Up Your Pencils, It’s The Gonzovision Test

Did you watch Fear & Loathing in Gonzovision from the last newsletter? I said there would be a test, and that’s a threat I’m willing to follow through with. Don’t worry, though, it’s an easy one and there aren’t really any wrong answers.

Question: What was your favorite part of the video?

Email your answers (a couple sentences long) to joshm {at} flyingdogales {dot} com and I’ll put the best answers into this section in an upcoming newsletter. If we publish your response, the reward will be a nice discount to our online store. But even better, you’ll be earning the respect of your follow citizens of the People’s Republic of Flying Dog. The deadline for responses is Wednesday, June 24 and we’ll put the best answers in the July 1 newsletter.

Didn’t watch? Here are links to it again.

Part 1     Part 2     Part 3

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We’ll be bringing you something Gonzo-themed from the world each time the newsletter comes out. Have a link to send us? Email it to joshm {at} flyingdogales {dot} com.

Free Flying Dog Poster At Participating Retailers (And A Contest!)

It’s summertime and the living is easy. Especially when you can pick up a 6-pack of Flying Dog, your favorite beer.

Look for a FREE poster with our display at selected retailers in your area. And when you take a photo of you and the poster hung up in a creative place or in a creative way, you might just win something cool, like a Flying Dog flag.

Read more (and see all the rules and regulations) on our contest page.

Savor’s Flavor

This past weekend was the 2nd annual Savor event. A few thousand folks came together to drink the country’s best craft beer paired with a wide variety of gourmet food. As with last year, we sent a large contingent down to Washington, DC to meet consumers and pour our award-winning beer.

Gwen Conley, our Quality Control and Sensory Goddess had this to say:

The Passion Fruit-Mango Mousse Cups that were paired with Woody Creek White were AWESOME! People also really loved our Woody Creek White paired with the Chicken Breast a la Blanche de Chambly (which was chicken skewers with a goat cheese sauce). The Maytag Blue Cheese was excellent as well. That was paired with a lot of different things but really was good with any of the Double IPA’s.

Gwen’s husband Bill was on camera-duty the whole evening, and we made a Flickr photoset with the images here. Don’t miss the interesting fellow they met on the Metro after the event.

Art of the Week: Ralph Steadman Isn’t The Only Ink Slinger We Know

Art of the Week is a little different this week. We got a tweet last week from Tyler Broadrick of Lake Oconee, Georgia. He told us that he got something special. In this case, it’s a tattoo on his back.

We talked a little with Tyler, and here’s what he had to say about us:

I got the tattoo mainly because of my love for Flying Dog’s ales and that it was designed by Ralph Steadman. I also like the design of the Flying Dog wings and the story behind Flying Dog’s birth. I love both Hunter S. Thompson and Ralph Steadman and enjoyed the connection between them and the brewery. I am a fan of the Snake Dog IPA, Doggie Style Classic Pale Ale, Tire Bite Golden Ale, Woody Creek White, Dogtoberfest Marzen among many others. What I like most about Flying Dog Brewery is your originality and its background. Flying Dog ales stand alone in terms of taste and originality.

Do you have some Flying Dog art on your person? Let us know with an email and we’ll post some of the cool ones in future newsletters.

Cheers! Until next time, -Josh