The Truth
Flying Dog Brewery
Beer Geek Stats
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- From:
- Flying Dog Brewery
- Maryland, United States
- Style:
- IPA - Imperial
Ranked #1,546 - ABV:
- 8.7%
- Score:
- 91
Ranked #6,968 - Avg:
- 4.08 | pDev: 8.82%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- May 20, 2022
- Added:
- Aug 03, 2013
- Wants:
- 57
- Gots:
- 288
SCORE
91
Outstanding
91
Outstanding
Notes:
If this isn’t the perfect IPA, it’s pretty damn close. Over the course of 3 years, The Truth was scientifically-engineered to be the holy grail for IPA lovers. Armed with a mountain of knowledge from our Single Hop Series, our brewers concocted a hop blend so aromatic, so complex, that you’ll almost forget you’re drinking an 8.7% Imperial. Its big pine notes and stone fruit underpinnings pair best with soft cheeses, shellfish, and late night poker games where you lose your children’s college savings.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
4 by cold_beer on May 20, 2022
3.71 by Nitty703 from Virginia on Apr 15, 2022
4.17 by Corburk from Pennsylvania on Apr 03, 2022
3.54/5 rDev -13.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
by KT3418 from Colorado
This was decent but just unremarkable, I probably wouldn't come back to this one in this over populated genre but I see why it might tickle the fancy of some. Would drink again just wouldn't buy again probably
Mar 02, 2022
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
by KT3418 from Colorado
This was decent but just unremarkable, I probably wouldn't come back to this one in this over populated genre but I see why it might tickle the fancy of some. Would drink again just wouldn't buy again probably
Mar 02, 2022
3.86 by RPBeerdude from Colorado on Feb 18, 2022
3.5 by TMoney2591 from Illinois on Jan 25, 2022
4.17 by omb from New Jersey on Jan 25, 2022
4.25 by Zekenyce from New Jersey on Jan 16, 2022
3.77 by Bitburger from Vermont on Jan 06, 2022
3.8/5 rDev -6.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by HarlotBronte from District of Columbia
L: Translucent orange/copper. Thin eggshell head with good retention.
S: Big aroma of juicy hops
T: Piney, booze
F: Medium bodied and bringing alcohol heat. Dry finish.
O: Great taste, but not a fan of the alcohol burn
Dec 24, 2021
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by HarlotBronte from District of Columbia
L: Translucent orange/copper. Thin eggshell head with good retention.
S: Big aroma of juicy hops
T: Piney, booze
F: Medium bodied and bringing alcohol heat. Dry finish.
O: Great taste, but not a fan of the alcohol burn
Dec 24, 2021
4 by zotzot from Vermont on Dec 14, 2021
3.66/5 rDev -10.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
by Andrew_NYC from New York
Yellowy copper pour with a thick fluffy head.
Citrusy hops on the nose with a floral, piney background.
Bright flavor that has some light citrus notes. Dry start and dry finish. Plenty of bitterness and some nice floral notes. No alcohol flavor. I wouldn’t guess it was an 8%.
Light, zippy feel in the mouth.
It’s pretty good but maybe on the dry side for my tastes.
Dec 05, 2021
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
by Andrew_NYC from New York
Yellowy copper pour with a thick fluffy head.
Citrusy hops on the nose with a floral, piney background.
Bright flavor that has some light citrus notes. Dry start and dry finish. Plenty of bitterness and some nice floral notes. No alcohol flavor. I wouldn’t guess it was an 8%.
Light, zippy feel in the mouth.
It’s pretty good but maybe on the dry side for my tastes.
Dec 05, 2021
3.77 by HighwayChile from Kansas on Nov 21, 2021
4.18 by LesDewitt4beer from Minnesota on Oct 24, 2021
4.34 by selekt0r on Oct 15, 2021
3.53/5 rDev -13.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by NiceTaps from New Jersey
12 ounce bottle in a tulip IPA glass.
Dense burnt orange color, 1f bright white cap that drops to a ring and leaves some soapy lacing.
Stone fruit and pine, sure, but candied and alcohol emissions rule the aromatics.
Caramel malt base. Chewy pine. Sweet fruit.
Medium bodied with some hop bite. Despite the brewery’s claim, there’s no denying the high abv.
Maybe I’m off the mark. I find the abv dominates the aromas, flavors, and feel. Meh.
Oct 11, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by NiceTaps from New Jersey
12 ounce bottle in a tulip IPA glass.
Dense burnt orange color, 1f bright white cap that drops to a ring and leaves some soapy lacing.
Stone fruit and pine, sure, but candied and alcohol emissions rule the aromatics.
Caramel malt base. Chewy pine. Sweet fruit.
Medium bodied with some hop bite. Despite the brewery’s claim, there’s no denying the high abv.
Maybe I’m off the mark. I find the abv dominates the aromas, flavors, and feel. Meh.
Oct 11, 2021
5 by Dalkri from Massachusetts on Sep 22, 2021
3.95/5 rDev -3.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
by jonwiseman from Florida
This beer is impressive from beginning to end. Skunky in the best way. Strong finish. Smooth beginning. Smell is mellow but convincing. Does not taste as strong as it is. Excellent beer
Aug 17, 2021
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
by jonwiseman from Florida
This beer is impressive from beginning to end. Skunky in the best way. Strong finish. Smooth beginning. Smell is mellow but convincing. Does not taste as strong as it is. Excellent beer
Aug 17, 2021
4.02/5 rDev -1.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by WoodBrew from Ohio
I tried a can of this beer at Prohibition Gastropub in downtown Powell, Ohio. It poured a slightly hazy orangish with white head that left some lace. The scent had subtle citrus notes. The taste was nicely balanced and easy to drink with subtle bright citrus presence. The mouthfeel was lighter in body with good carbonation. Overall it is a solid beer.
Aug 01, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by WoodBrew from Ohio
I tried a can of this beer at Prohibition Gastropub in downtown Powell, Ohio. It poured a slightly hazy orangish with white head that left some lace. The scent had subtle citrus notes. The taste was nicely balanced and easy to drink with subtle bright citrus presence. The mouthfeel was lighter in body with good carbonation. Overall it is a solid beer.
Aug 01, 2021
4.15/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
by dannydetox from Ohio
Brassy looking brew with a thin white head. Aroma is orange marmalade on toast, maybe a little bit of pineapple and hay. Quenching for a 8.7%, with present yet subdued bitterness. Malt is substantial without being too sweet. Big, pleasing mouth feel to this one.
Jul 14, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
by dannydetox from Ohio
Brassy looking brew with a thin white head. Aroma is orange marmalade on toast, maybe a little bit of pineapple and hay. Quenching for a 8.7%, with present yet subdued bitterness. Malt is substantial without being too sweet. Big, pleasing mouth feel to this one.
Jul 14, 2021
3.94 by 12ozfan from Illinois on Jul 04, 2021
4.09/5 rDev +0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by scotorum from Massachusetts
FLYING DOG THE TRUTH IIPA 6/6/21
Poured from the 12 oz. bottle into an English nonick pint.
a: Translucent orange with a half finger thick white head which receded slowly to thick surface foam and dense lacing.
s: Mild light fruit.
t: Mild tropical fit with a moderate hop bite on a mainly dry finish.
m: Medium, very good body and a lot of carbonation tingle.
o: A refreshing IIPA with its highish 8.7% ABV well covered.
Jun 07, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by scotorum from Massachusetts
FLYING DOG THE TRUTH IIPA 6/6/21
Poured from the 12 oz. bottle into an English nonick pint.
a: Translucent orange with a half finger thick white head which receded slowly to thick surface foam and dense lacing.
s: Mild light fruit.
t: Mild tropical fit with a moderate hop bite on a mainly dry finish.
m: Medium, very good body and a lot of carbonation tingle.
o: A refreshing IIPA with its highish 8.7% ABV well covered.
Jun 07, 2021
4.25 by ArztZiegler from Ohio on Jun 03, 2021
3.97 by paulytasker from New York on May 03, 2021
3.87/5 rDev -5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by reedap1 from Pennsylvania
Look Light copper to orange, very, very slight cloudiness, about a half-inch head in a conical pint style glass. Good lacing on the glass
Smell: I get a light pine and grapefruit smell. Not as potent as other IPAs I’ve had in this category. The bouquet dissipated over the drink or maybe the 8.7% ABV hit me…
Taste: On first blush, I get a crisp pine/citrus on the front of the mouth, smoother and foam on the back of the pallet. First sip was good but not overwhelming to me like other highly rated IPAs in this category. No hard detectable alcohol, the other flavors mask it well. Has a good finish with some long lasting citrus on the back.
Feel: Very good for an Imperial IPA. Not thick or heavy but rather light and crisp. I drank it in the middle of winter and it would be better in the summer on a hot day. Had it with chili and nachos and it was a nice compliment, did not overpower the meal.
Overall: An excellent almost world-class Imperial IPA. In my mind, the only thing missing was a bit more smoothness. For me, Firestone Walker Double Jack is at the top of the heap in this category and The Truth makes a really good stab at knocking it off the top. I will buy more and pass them to friends.
Mar 18, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by reedap1 from Pennsylvania
Look Light copper to orange, very, very slight cloudiness, about a half-inch head in a conical pint style glass. Good lacing on the glass
Smell: I get a light pine and grapefruit smell. Not as potent as other IPAs I’ve had in this category. The bouquet dissipated over the drink or maybe the 8.7% ABV hit me…
Taste: On first blush, I get a crisp pine/citrus on the front of the mouth, smoother and foam on the back of the pallet. First sip was good but not overwhelming to me like other highly rated IPAs in this category. No hard detectable alcohol, the other flavors mask it well. Has a good finish with some long lasting citrus on the back.
Feel: Very good for an Imperial IPA. Not thick or heavy but rather light and crisp. I drank it in the middle of winter and it would be better in the summer on a hot day. Had it with chili and nachos and it was a nice compliment, did not overpower the meal.
Overall: An excellent almost world-class Imperial IPA. In my mind, the only thing missing was a bit more smoothness. For me, Firestone Walker Double Jack is at the top of the heap in this category and The Truth makes a really good stab at knocking it off the top. I will buy more and pass them to friends.
Mar 18, 2021
3.62 by cauchysequence from Maryland on Mar 10, 2021
3.05/5 rDev -25.2%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3
by TheBigBoy from Pennsylvania
To much Pop for me - It is an imperial,
Feb 21, 2021
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3
by TheBigBoy from Pennsylvania
To much Pop for me - It is an imperial,
Feb 21, 2021
3.57/5 rDev -12.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
by Bluecrow from New York
-orange-amber can pour with a fine foam cap and a slight haze.
The aroma is of tangerine, pine and a medicinal aspect.
The flavor includes pine and orange but the alcohol heat masks this somewhat.
This tastes better after it warms a bit.
Jan 28, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
by Bluecrow from New York
-orange-amber can pour with a fine foam cap and a slight haze.
The aroma is of tangerine, pine and a medicinal aspect.
The flavor includes pine and orange but the alcohol heat masks this somewhat.
This tastes better after it warms a bit.
Jan 28, 2021
4.15/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by Jaasoares from Virginia
Pours a clear orange with a thick pale head, which lingers eventually dissipates into a pale lacing. Hoppy and mildly citrusy on the nose. Taste is wonderfully balanced...hoppy, pine, citrusy and mildly sweet like a new england ipa with a slight bitterness of what tastes like grapefruit. This one goes down smoothly and my favorite brew from this excellent brewing company. It feels imperial too with a boozy 8.7 ABV....you'll feel it, but may need more than one coz it's delightfully drinkable.
Jan 17, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by Jaasoares from Virginia
Pours a clear orange with a thick pale head, which lingers eventually dissipates into a pale lacing. Hoppy and mildly citrusy on the nose. Taste is wonderfully balanced...hoppy, pine, citrusy and mildly sweet like a new england ipa with a slight bitterness of what tastes like grapefruit. This one goes down smoothly and my favorite brew from this excellent brewing company. It feels imperial too with a boozy 8.7 ABV....you'll feel it, but may need more than one coz it's delightfully drinkable.
Jan 17, 2021
3.88 by SierraFlight from Virginia on Dec 29, 2020
3.33 by tankg from Pennsylvania on Nov 14, 2020
4.18 by Hefsbeercaps from Ohio on Oct 18, 2020
3.75 by GreenBayBA from Wisconsin on Oct 12, 2020
4.5 by JamesLeung from Florida on Oct 09, 2020
4.01/5 rDev -1.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by TheRougeBastard from North Carolina
Dank, dry and full of hoppy goodness!
Sep 29, 2020
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by TheRougeBastard from North Carolina
Dank, dry and full of hoppy goodness!
Sep 29, 2020
4.09/5 rDev +0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by Mugman8 from New York
I have seen the Flying Dog Brewery around for quite a while and have never tried their offerings. Bought a 12-pack IPA variety pack and the first one up is the The Truth. Read up on the brewery on BA and learned about their Colorado heritage and the Ralph Steadman-Hunter Thompson connection seen in the can art. As a guy who graduated from college in the mid-70's....I can relate....I know about Fear and Loathing! Now brewed in Fredrick, MD and Utica, NY. Appears to be fresh -- says enjoy before 4/22/21.
The Truth appears to be the best of the lot based on the BA ratings. Nearly clear and copper-colored on the pour with some head and nice lacing. Aroma is pine resin and flower hops. Taste is pine resin and the floral hops to start with slight orange flavor in the middle and crisp, slightly bitter hoppy finish. 8.7% ABV becomes more boozy as beer warms in the glass. Overall this is a very good brew that is to be sipped not slammed....maybe a tad too bitter for my tastes but enjoyable.
Sep 28, 2020
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by Mugman8 from New York
I have seen the Flying Dog Brewery around for quite a while and have never tried their offerings. Bought a 12-pack IPA variety pack and the first one up is the The Truth. Read up on the brewery on BA and learned about their Colorado heritage and the Ralph Steadman-Hunter Thompson connection seen in the can art. As a guy who graduated from college in the mid-70's....I can relate....I know about Fear and Loathing! Now brewed in Fredrick, MD and Utica, NY. Appears to be fresh -- says enjoy before 4/22/21.
The Truth appears to be the best of the lot based on the BA ratings. Nearly clear and copper-colored on the pour with some head and nice lacing. Aroma is pine resin and flower hops. Taste is pine resin and the floral hops to start with slight orange flavor in the middle and crisp, slightly bitter hoppy finish. 8.7% ABV becomes more boozy as beer warms in the glass. Overall this is a very good brew that is to be sipped not slammed....maybe a tad too bitter for my tastes but enjoyable.
Sep 28, 2020
3.72/5 rDev -8.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by DavetotheB from Pennsylvania
From a 12oz can dated "Enjoy By" 12/16/20. Assumed fresh.
Pours a murky brownish yellow with about two fingers of off-white head. The beer isn't translucent, but not opaque either. Decent retention and lacing.
Smells of some earth, pine and a bit of alcohol. Very faint herbal smells as well.
Tastes of pine resin with a bit of orange. Fairly strong malt character with noticeable alcohol heat.
Mouthfeel is pretty sticky. Bitter aftertaste mixed with alcohol. Mild carbonation.
Overall, meh. Not bad, but not a lot of depth to this one. Would probably choose some of Flying Dog's other brews over this one.
Sep 25, 2020
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by DavetotheB from Pennsylvania
From a 12oz can dated "Enjoy By" 12/16/20. Assumed fresh.
Pours a murky brownish yellow with about two fingers of off-white head. The beer isn't translucent, but not opaque either. Decent retention and lacing.
Smells of some earth, pine and a bit of alcohol. Very faint herbal smells as well.
Tastes of pine resin with a bit of orange. Fairly strong malt character with noticeable alcohol heat.
Mouthfeel is pretty sticky. Bitter aftertaste mixed with alcohol. Mild carbonation.
Overall, meh. Not bad, but not a lot of depth to this one. Would probably choose some of Flying Dog's other brews over this one.
Sep 25, 2020
4.25 by jtnord from Colorado on Sep 12, 2020
4.02/5 rDev -1.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by daliandragon from Maryland
Big, thick, tightly bubbled head and copper, slightly hazy body. Nose is pine and citrus and a touch of toasted malt. Flavors are solid but a little muted in the taste itself. Partially, this is good, because that means alcohol burn is relatively low as well. Both the flavor and burn increase as the beer warms. This doesn't have a great deal of complexity, but is solid and well made.
Aug 30, 2020
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by daliandragon from Maryland
Big, thick, tightly bubbled head and copper, slightly hazy body. Nose is pine and citrus and a touch of toasted malt. Flavors are solid but a little muted in the taste itself. Partially, this is good, because that means alcohol burn is relatively low as well. Both the flavor and burn increase as the beer warms. This doesn't have a great deal of complexity, but is solid and well made.
Aug 30, 2020
3.75/5 rDev -8.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by Rschis16 from Maryland
Slightly hazy orange-yellow with a little white cap on top that leaves lacing on its way down to a sea foamy layer. The aroma is piney, a touch resinous, maybe a touch of grapefruit. Piney hops do most of the heavy lifting in the flavor, but that touch of grapefruit translates nicely, becoming a secondary flavor but adding a juiciness to the middle that has a balancing effect. Leaves some bitterness in the aftertaste, but not too aggressive if you are a hophead. The alcohol comes through in the back, adding the slightest bit of heat. The overall mouthfeel is light enough to let the hops shine, but maybe not heavy enough too complete the overall balance. Easy enough beer to come across around here and it does hit a certain hop craving spot sometimes
Aug 14, 2020
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by Rschis16 from Maryland
Slightly hazy orange-yellow with a little white cap on top that leaves lacing on its way down to a sea foamy layer. The aroma is piney, a touch resinous, maybe a touch of grapefruit. Piney hops do most of the heavy lifting in the flavor, but that touch of grapefruit translates nicely, becoming a secondary flavor but adding a juiciness to the middle that has a balancing effect. Leaves some bitterness in the aftertaste, but not too aggressive if you are a hophead. The alcohol comes through in the back, adding the slightest bit of heat. The overall mouthfeel is light enough to let the hops shine, but maybe not heavy enough too complete the overall balance. Easy enough beer to come across around here and it does hit a certain hop craving spot sometimes
Aug 14, 2020
The Truth from Flying Dog Brewery
Beer rating:
91 out of
100 with
892 ratings