Crosby's Kitchen & CocktailHydra Cuvée

Firestone Walker Brewing Co. and Flying Dog Brewery are separated by 2,700 miles of American desert, mountains, plains and forests, but that’s not stopping them. These two legendary breweries are teaming up to brew the 2014 SAVOR collaboration beer. Since the tradition began in 2011, SAVOR attendees have been treated to a beer brewed exclusively for them to enjoy at the event and take home as a delicious bottled souvenir. This year is no different, and we’re looking forward to the result of this California-Maryland collaboration. But what will the beer be? Sources at Flying Dog have told us that “Hydra Cuveé” will be a blend of robust porter. In keeping with Greek mythology, the hydra represents three distinct parts—the lion, the bear (both from Firestone Walker’s insignia) and the Flying Dog. The robust porter will be brewed on March 24, and will be blended with two bourbon barrel-aged beers. Expect the porter to be rich and chewy with a lot of caramel and chocolate malts alongside oat flakes and a mellow stone fruit hop profile. Flying Dog’s Matt Brophy and Firestone Walker’s Matt Brynildson will select the two barrel-aged beers on March 24. Those are expected to add creamy vanilla, spice and warmth from the oak-aging process.