“A fury of dots and dashes come through the receiver. The translator turns in amazement.
“An IPA with no hops by two breweries separated by sea?” His commanding officer lays a grizzled hand on his shoulder as his eyes narrow toward the horizon. “No bastard ever won a war by playing it safe, son.”
Flying Dog (Maryland, USA) has thrown down its studded dog collar and challenged BrewDog (Fraserburgh, Northern Scotland) to a battle-style collaboration, The International Arms Race (IAR).
BUT, by mutual agreement, beer’s principal weapon of mass destruction, the hop, has been withdrawn from the IAR competition.
What? An India Pale Ale with no hops? That’s like an episode of TOWIE without false eyelashes; Angelina without her attention seeking right leg; or Lady Gaga without her army of Little Monsters.
“Each of us producing our own beer highlights the human element of the brewing process,” Flying Dog Brewmaster Matt Brophy said. “Even with the same ingredients, the hands that craft it are hugely influential in the end product.”
To achieve a Zero IBU IPA, the brewers agreed upon a list of ingredients – spearmint, bay leaves, rosemary, juniper berries, and elderflower – to replace the bitterness typically imparted by hops. Both beers will be 7.5% abv.
“When the hardcore team at Flying Dog challenged us to battle, there was no way we wouldn’t take them on,” BrewDog Captain James Watt said. “Now it’s time to see who’s boss.”
Both beers will be available in bottle and kegs from specialist beer importer James Clay www.jamesclay.co.uk from June.
WHAT is more – Legendary designer, Ralph Steadman, and long time friend of BrewDog, Johanna Basford, will also go head to head and battle it out to create the best illustration for their respective beer labels.
Nigel Stevenson, speciality beer consultant for James Clay, comments: “Holy moley! This will be the battle of the year. Forget the Olympics, this should really excite.
“These are the wildest brewers around and known for their boundary pushing brews and quirky label designs; so who knows what liquid exocets they are cooking up. June cannot come soon enough.”
-Ends-
About Flying Dog Brewery:
“Good Beer, No Shit.” Located in Frederick, Maryland, Flying Dog is the state’s largest brewery. As its tagline proclaims, Flying Dog is committed to producing world-class craft beer and continues to push the envelope with experimental and limited-edition releases. Recent accolades include Doggie Style Classic Pale Ale ranked as the #1 American Pale Ale in the U.S. by The New York Times and Raging Bitch Belgian-Style IPA named one of the best new beers in 2010 by multiple sources. For more information, please visit www.flyingdogbrewery.com or www.jamesclay.co.uk.
About James Clay:
– James Clay, speciality world beer importers, has worked with pubs, bars, restaurants and distributors for over 30 years.
– To receive a free brochure with details on which draught beers they have available to order, please contact James Clay on (01422) 377560 or email sales@jamesclay.co.uk.
– For further information please visit www.jamesclay.co.uk.
About BrewDog:
Martin and James were bored of the industrially brewed lagers and stuffy ales that dominate the UK market, and decided the best way to fix this undesirable predicament was to brew their own beers. Consequently, in April 2007, BrewDog was born. Both only 24 at the time, they leased a building, got some scary bank loans, spent all their money on stainless steel and started making some hardcore beers. They are dedicated to making cool, contemporary and progressive beers showcasing some of the world’s classic beer styles. All with an innovative twist and customary BrewDog bite. www.brewdog.com
Julie Carolan
R&R Teamwork
T: 020 7384 1333 | M: 07717 707152 | Twitter: @JulieCarolan
R&R Teamwork, “The Cellar”,
754 Fulham Road, London
SW6 5SH