Flying Dog 2017 Tropical Bitch Belgian IPA
Last year, Maryland’s Flying Dog released a fruity twist on their flagship Raging Bitch Belgian IPA. Tropical Bitch, at that time, used the same base recipe, but saw the company add mango, pineapple and passionfruit to create one hell of a tasty variation. For 2017, the brewery is bringing back that tropical treat, but with a new blend of fruit flavors.
Tangerine and mango join forces this time around — and what an array of flavors those fruit generate to accompany the yeast, soft pine and floral notes. The original version of Tropical Bitch was a tasty treat, but there’s something in this latest version (the tangerine? different yeast strain?) that simply sets the beer above and beyond last year’s model. The IPA isn’t overly fruity, but that tangerine and mango work wonderfully with the pine and dynamic yeast to create a uniquely flavored brew.
I honestly did a double take when this Belgian-style IPA first hit my lips the other day. I liked the original Tropical Bitch, but this year’s recipe makes for a much more unique and dynamic flavor profile. A gentle hop bite and lively carbonation help add a refreshing character to a beer that isn’t overly fruity, but one that has just the right amount of tangerine and mango for my personal liking. I’d love to be able to buy a six pack of Tropical Bitch comprising of the original recipe, this latest and maybe another one or two variations for a fun taste test — that could make for an interesting experience.
This is a review of a promotional sample.