Flying Dog Brewery was founded in 1990 by George Stranahan, a man with a passion for brewing and a love for the town of Aspen, Colorado. Stranahan had a vision of creating a brewpub that not only served great beer but also became a gathering place for the community.
The initial concept for Flying Dog Brewery was to establish a brewpub in Aspen, where locals and tourists could come together to enjoy delicious craft beer. Stranahan wanted to create a place that embodied the spirit of adventure and freedom, which is why he chose to name the brewery after his favorite breed of dog, the flying dog.
In the early years, Flying Dog started out as a small brewpub, serving a limited range of beers to locals and visitors. However, as the demand for their beer grew, they realized the need for expansion. They began adding additional brewing capacity in Colorado throughout the 1990s to keep up with the increasing demand.
I had the opportunity to visit the Flying Dog Brewery in Aspen a few years ago, and it was a truly memorable experience. The brewery itself was nestled in a picturesque location, surrounded by mountains and offering breathtaking views. The atmosphere inside was relaxed and laid-back, with a cozy pub-like setting where people could gather, socialize, and enjoy the fruits of the brewer's labor.
One of the things that struck me about Flying Dog Brewery was their commitment to quality and innovation. They were constantly experimenting with new flavors, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in craft brewing. This commitment to creativity and craftsmanship is what set Flying Dog apart from other breweries at the time.
In 2006, Flying Dog Brewery took a significant step in their growth journey by acquiring the Frederick Brewing Company, based in Maryland. This acquisition allowed them to expand their reach and increase their production capacity even further. It also brought them closer to the East Coast market, opening up new opportunities for distribution and growth.
The acquisition of Frederick Brewing Company was not without its challenges, but Flying Dog Brewery was determined to make it work. They invested in upgrading the facilities and brought in talented brewers who shared their passion for creating exceptional beer.
Today, Flying Dog Brewery has become a well-established and respected name in the craft beer industry. They continue to produce a wide range of beers, from their iconic Gonzo Imperial Porter to their popular Raging Bitch Belgian-Style IPA. Their commitment to quality, innovation, and the spirit of adventure remains at the core of everything they do.
To summarize:
– Flying Dog Brewery was founded in 1990 by George Stranahan in Aspen, Colorado.
– The initial concept was to create a brewpub that served great beer and became a gathering place for the community.
– The brewery expanded its brewing capacity in Colorado throughout the 1990s to meet growing demand.
– In 2006, Flying Dog Brewery acquired the Frederick Brewing Company, based in Maryland, to further expand their reach and production capacity.
– The brewery is known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and the spirit of adventure.
– Today, Flying Dog Brewery is a well-established and respected name in the craft beer industry, producing a wide range of beers.