Flying Dog to Establish Freedom of Speech Organization with Raging Bitch Lawsuit Damages

Last year the Frederick, Maryland-based Flying Dog Brewery, America's 37th-largest craft brewery, resolved a six-year legal battle with the Michigan Liquor Control Commission over its "Raging Bitch" Belgian IPA. The beer was banned in the state for its name and label artwork by the renowned Ralph Steadman, which features a dog in heat. Flying Dog sued for a violation of freedom of expression and won. Now they're using the money from the lawsuit to establish the 1st Amendment Society, an organization designed to protect free speech.

“The First Amendment affects (and makes possible) all aspects of our lives, yet is consistently being threatened by the same democratic body that established it,” Flying Dog CEO Jim Caruso said. “It’s imperative that we continue this fight beyond the courtroom.”

To that end, a launch event will be held May 31 in the National Press Club's First Amendment Lounge in D.C., with Flying Dog's senior director of communications, Erin Weston, serving as executive director for the 1st Amendment Society.