Black Dog ale returns

Black Dog ale, a craft-style brew, has commenced brewing again. Spanish Peaks Brewing Co., which first produced the ale in 1991 in Bozeman, MT, is happily reintroducing this award-winning craft beer to Philadelphia and San Francisco, joining markets in Montana, Idaho, Colorado, Oregon and Washington. By the end of the year, this flavorful beer will be available nationwide, says John Chappell, senior vp and director of marketing. Six-pack cartons of 12-oz bottles sell for $6.99 to $7.99. The brand features a black labrador on the label named Chug who was the brewery founder's pet. Chug became the symbol of the brand and played a big role in popularizing the beer and was the inspiration for the brand's enigmatic slogan, “No Whiners.” Black Dog Ale represents an English-style amber ale with extraordinary drinkability, notable hoppiness and clean malt flavors. A Honey Raspberry Ale light amber ale is being reintroduced with Black Dog. Both ales are produced at Flying Dog Brewery in Denver.