Beyond MoCo: Flying Dog Brewery to Leave Frederick

Frederick’s Flying Dog Brewery is being sold to Utica, New York-based FX Matt Brewing Co. According to a report by BrewBound, Flying Dog/FX Matt will begin shifting production from Frederick to New York this summer, but will “maintain a presence in Maryland as FX Matt is seeking a location for an innovation brewery and taproom in Frederick.” Flying Dog was founded in Aspen, Colorado in 1990 and moved production to Maryland full-time in 2007 after purchasing the Frederick Brewing Company in 2006.  Flying Dog is known for brewing innovative, high-alcohol beers with sometimes controversial label art-work by Ralph Steadman.

“It is important to me that FX Matt Brewing is offering employment opportunities to as many employees as possible and we will provide job placement assistance to team members”, says Flying Dog CEO Jim Caruso. “Frederick is a great place to live and do business, unfortunately even though we have invested millions of dollars in the brewery, it has too many limitations and puts Flying Dog at too great a competitive disadvantage.

I could not imagine a beer steward for the Flying Dog brand going forward than FX Matt Brewing Company. We have worked with them for many years, they are a prestigious family-owned brewery with more than 135 years of history, they are committed to building on the deep roots Flying Dog has established in Maryland, and their capabilities will take Flying Dog to a new level,” added Caruso.

“We are forever grateful for the loyalty that Maryland craft beer drinkers have shown to Flying Dog and we look forward to continuing to be a part of the Maryland community moving forward,” stated Flying Dog CMO Ben Savage, who will become President of the Flying Dog division of FX Matt Brewing.

“This acquisition gives our brand immediate capabilities and flexibility to adapt to the changing consumer preferences. There will always be a market for great beer, but the lines between beer, cocktails, spirits, and wine continue to blur. FX Matt Brewing Company gives Flying Dog significant resources to not only optimize our current product portfolio, but also quickly develop products in new, emerging categories.”

“Flying Dog has created an amazing brand, award-winning beers, and offers us a great opportunity to grow in the Mid-Atlantic Region.  When you think of craft beer in Maryland and the mid-Atlantic, Flying Dog is the first brand that pops into your head. We are excited to join forces with such a great brand and look forward to helping Flying Dog reach new heights,” comments Fred Matt CEO of FX Matt Brewing Company.
Featured image courtesy of Flying Dog on Facebook.