This Friday, I spent some quality time with good friends and one particularly Raging Bitch. I picked up a six-pack of this little honey on a whim, and I’m sure glad I did. Flying Dog Raging Bitch is one from their Canis Major line up, created to commemorate the brewery’s 20 year anniversary. Even before getting into the meat of the review, I can tell you that this is one brew I look forward to enjoying again.
Dubbed a "Belgian-Style India Pale Ale," Raging Bitch weighs in at 8.3% ABV and pairs well with foods that can stand up to its American hops and Belgian funk. Think heavy Asian or Mexican inspired flavors if you’re serving this beer alongside food.
Appearance
Pours a slightly hazy, deep copper color with copious amounts of dense, creamy, off-white head. Great retention on this pour.
Aroma
Citrusy and lightly floral hops pair well with the Belgian yeast’s spice. Sweet caramel scent is rounded out well by notes of pepper and orange. Quite complex and rather seducing.
Taste
The flavor of Raging Bitch matches well with its nose, but puts more focus on the floral, piney hops than on the citrus. The hops are nicely rounded out by that bubblegum flavor from the Belgian yeast, resulting in a well-balanced honey sweetness mid-sip and a medium bitterness in the finish.
Mouthfeel
Probably the most significant aspect to me, the body of Flying Dog Raging Bitch is nothing short of creamy. I was happily surprised by this, as it was much creamier than most IPAs I’ve enjoyed. Smooth, medium to medium-heavy body with a perfect amount of carbonation, the mouthfeel is absolutely the star for me.
Overall
I am positively in love with the marriage of Belgian yeast and American hops in Flying Dog’s Raging Bitch Belgian IPA. Balanced, complex and intricate, I absolutely recommend this brew and plan on picking up another six-pack for my fridge.
Cheers!
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