Flying Dog Brewery
| File:Flying Dog Brewery Logo.png | |
 Flying Dog Brewery in Frederick | |
| Industry | Alcoholic beverage |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1990 |
| Founders | George Stranahan |
| Headquarters | Frederick, Maryland, U.S. |
| Products | Beer, RTDs, hard cider, FMBs |
Production output | 100,000 US beer barrels (120,000 hl) |
| Owner | F.X. Matt Brewing Company |
| Website | flyingdog |
Flying Dog Brewery was a leading craft beer producer headquartered in Frederick, Maryland, established in 1990 by businessman George Stranahan. By 2017, it held the distinction of being the largest brewery in Maryland and ranked 28th among U.S. craft breweries.
In May 2023, it was announced that the brewery would be acquired by the F.X. Matt Brewing Company, with intentions to transfer the majority of its production operations to New York, signaling a major transformation in its worldwide business activities.
History
George Stranahan, originally a physicist trained at the California Institute of Technology and Carnegie Mellon University, shifted from an academic career to entrepreneurship after purchasing the Flying Dog Ranch located in Colorado. He established the Woody Creek Tavern, gaining regional recognition partly through his connection with writer Hunter S. Thompson.
The Flying Dog Brewpub opened in Aspen in 1990, marking the town’s first brewery in over one hundred years and positioning itself as an early entrant into the Rocky Mountain craft beer scene. Due to increasing demand, a collaborative brewery venture was launched in Denver in 1994 alongside Wynkoop Brewing Company. Flying Dog took full ownership of this facility by 2000, enhancing its production capabilities.
To expand its business footprint, Flying Dog acquired Frederick Brewing Company in Maryland in 2006, creating two brewing locations and extending its market presence. The company also owned the Wild Goose brand until it divested this asset in 2010.
By 2007, Flying Dog consolidated its operations by shutting down the Denver brewery because of expensive required upgrades and redirected focus to the Frederick location, which supported rapid revenue growth. As of 2015, the Frederick site had an annual brewing capacity of 100,000 barrels and initiated plans to increase this to 700,000 barrels before pausing expansion efforts in 2017 due to legislative obstacles.
These strategic moves highlight Flying Dog’s flexible approach to business and its commitment to strengthening its position within the competitive craft beer market.
Name
In 1983, George Stranahan, Richard McIntyre, and ten companions undertook an expedition to K2 in the Himalayas. After completing their journey, they convened at the Flashman Hotel in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, where they noticed a painting depicting a flying dog—a winged Chinese Fawn Pug representing prosperity and trade throughout central Asia. This artwork inspired Stranahan and ultimately influenced both the brewery’s name and visual identity.
Hunter S. Thompson
Writer Hunter S. Thompson, who lived near Stranahan’s Flying Dog Ranch in Colorado, developed a close friendship with him based on their mutual interests in alcohol and firearms. In 1990, Thompson introduced Stranahan to artist Ralph Steadman, who began designing original label art for Flying Dog beers starting in 1995. The initial label Steadman created was for Road Dog Porter, which Thompson inspired and endorsed; he also contributed an essay titled "Ale According to Hunter." In tribute to Thompson, Flying Dog released the Gonzo Imperial Porter in 2005 as a limited edition 750mL bottle that has since become a permanent offering within their lineup.
Labels and artwork
Flying Dog Brewery is well-known for incorporating the unique artwork of Ralph Steadman, the illustrator famous for his collaborations with Thompson, on its product labels. His creations feature vivid, surreal depictions of winged dogs, which contribute to the brewery's distinctive visual identity.
In October 2013, the brewery introduced "The Gonzo Collection," an art exhibit honoring the creative legacies of Steadman and Thompson. This showcase included reinterpretations by global artists such as Bob Dob and Nathan Spoor. The CEO of Flying Dog emphasized Steadman’s role as a committed artist whose influence the company proudly embraces.
Music
Following its move to Frederick, Maryland, Flying Dog Brewery has been an active supporter of the region’s music culture. In addition to organizing an annual summer concert series, the brewery released "Frederick - Volume One" in 2015, a compilation album featuring 15 local musicians, including indie-rock groups Big Hoax and Silent Old Mtns. This collection premiered at Frederick Fall Fest, a medium-sized music event sponsored by Flying Dog.
Moreover, the brewery regularly hosts live performances on Friday evenings at its bar, fostering community interaction and strengthening its brand through cultural engagement.
Freedom of speech lawsuit
In 2009, the Michigan Liquor Control Commission refused to grant Flying Dog Brewery a license to distribute its 20th anniversary brew, "Raging Bitch," due to concerns regarding public health and safety. Two years later, with backing from the Center for the Defense of Free Enterprise, Flying Dog initiated legal action claiming protection under free speech rights. Subsequently, the MLCC reversed its earlier stance, allowing "Raging Bitch" to be sold in Michigan.
Jim Caruso, a founding executive of the company, has addressed audiences at Students for Liberty and Young Americans for Liberty events about this legal challenge, underscoring his dedication to free expression as an integral part of Flying Dog’s business philosophy.