Flying Dog Brewery is giving craft fans more for their money. The Maryland-based brewer has launched a new 12-pack of Snake Dog IPA — this time in 16-oz cans. That’s 33% more beer at the same price. The move comes as beer prices rise and package sizes shrink across the market. Flying Dog is flipping that script. With this new “Inflation Buster” pack, customers get a full gallon and a half of bold, citrusy IPA without spending an extra dime. From the press release:
That’s right. No hidden fees. No cut corners. Just more of the bold, citrus-forward West Coast IPA that fans love, now in a bigger, better package.
What’s inside the can?
Snake Dog IPA is a 7.1% ABV West Coast-style IPA. It delivers a sharp bite of citrus, pine, and tropical fruit thanks to a five-hop blend. The beer pours a light amber with an off-white head and finishes with a clean, slightly resinous bitterness. Snake Dog pairs well with rich cheeses, grilled meats, and tropical fruits. It’s a balanced IPA built for both hop heads and casual fans alike.
Why this move matters
Flying Dog’s decision to upgrade Snake Dog’s packaging is more than a gimmick. It speaks directly to consumer frustration. Shoppers are paying more and getting less — in beer, groceries, and just about everything else. A bigger can at the same price offers clear value at shelf and may win loyalty in a tight market. It also reinforces the brand’s willingness to zig when others zag. Flying Dog’s rebellious edge — once embodied in its Hunter S. Thompson-inspired labels — now shows up in its pricing strategy.
A flood of Flying Dog IPAs
Snake Dog’s new 12-pack joins a recent surge of IPA-focused releases from the brand.
- Underdog Easy IPA landed earlier this year, clocking in at 4.7% ABV. It offers tropical and citrus hop notes in a sessionable format. It’s a clear play toward mindful drinking trends.
- Imperial IPA Variety Pack launched shortly after. The 12-pack features four high-ABV offerings (8.7% ABV each): Juiced Up, Citrus Crush, Tropical, and The Truth. The mix brings together bold hop profiles, juicy fruit flavors, and aggressive bitterness.
This portfolio strategy shows Flying Dog leaning hard into hop-forward styles at a time when craft drinkers are split between going big and cutting back.
Flying Dog and FX Matt: A growing alliance
Flying Dog became part of FX Matt Brewing Co. in 2023. The Utica, N.Y.-based brewery — known for its Saranac brand — has quietly become a major player in the craft and ready-to-drink (RTD) markets. Recent acquisitions include:
- Ohza: A pioneer in canned mimosas and sangrias, Ohza appeals to wine-based RTD fans with fruit-forward convenience.
- ‘Merican Mule: Known for its spirits-based canned Moscow Mules and cocktails, this brand expands FX Matt’s reach in the high-ABV RTD segment.
Both Ohza and ‘Merican Mule now fall under FX Matt’s Right Coast Spirits division, a joint venture with Harpoon Brewery and Flying Dog. This RTD wing also includes vodka whips and Italian ice-inspired drinks.
FX Matt’s broad playbook
FX Matt’s growth strategy combines old-school beer chops with new-school diversification:
- A $34.7 million brewhouse expansion in 2021 gave it room to grow production across categories.
- A co-packing partnership with O-I Glass lets it experiment with Drinktainer — a wide-mouth glass package that mimics drinking from traditional glassware.
All signs point to FX Matt building a multi-beverage empire — one rooted in beer but expanding into cocktails, seltzers, and beyond. Snake Dog’s 16-oz 12-pack hits a sweet spot in today’s economy: More beer, same price, no sacrifice. It’s a simple, smart move that speaks directly to cost-conscious drinkers. Combined with an expanding lineup of hop-forward beers and the backing of a beverage powerhouse, Flying Dog is holding its ground — and then some — in an increasingly competitive market.
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