Flying Dog Brewery in Frederick, Maryland has announced a new low-cal, low-carb ale called Zen Blaster just in time for summer. Full details are below.

Frederick, Md. – Just in time for summer activities like outdoor yoga, hiking and trying not to fall off a stand-up paddleboard, Flying Dog Brewery is announcing the release of the brewery’s low calorie, low carbohydrate hopped blonde ale, Zen Blaster Active Ale. The light-bodied brew will be available in stores by mid-June in 6-packs of 12 oz bottles.

Brewed by the brewery’s in-house yoga master and made with lotus hops, this low calorie/low carb ale will have mind and body at peace. At only 90 calories and 1.5g carbs, Zen Blaster is perfect for active lifestyles. The beer’s aroma gives notes of tropical fruits and vanilla while its light flavor profile finishes dry. This refreshingly light ale carries a 4.5% ABV and 10 IBUs.

“For consumers focused on wellness, or those who simply want a lighter beer to sip on in the summertime, Zen Blaster is a more health-conscious alternative without compromising on taste and quality,” said James Maravetz, VP of Marketing at Flying Dog Brewery.

We spoke with Wallenpaupack Brewing Co. Head Brewer Logan Ackerley about English Pale Mild Ale.

BC: What’s your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)?
This is one of my favorite beers in our portfolio. I’m a big proponent of full-flavored beer that is low in alcohol. This beer has a beautiful toffee flavor from English malts and ferments dry with a pleasant ester-producing yeast strain. Despite being only 3.5% ABV, it has plenty of flavor and doesn’t feel watered down.

BC: Is this your “desert island beer?”
This is definitely a desert island beer for me. It’s an excellent balance of flavor and refreshment.

BC: Do you know a story – or have a personal story – that revolves around this beer?
We actually won a silver medal at the 2020 Great American Beer Festival for this one. The announcement of the winners actually took place on my birthday. I was traveling and didn’t have cell service but when I finally got service I had fifty-something texts from friends, family, and co-workers letting me know. So I was a little late to the party but the news made for a pretty great birthday.

BC: What's a good food pairing for this beer?
I can pair this beer with almost anything, but the best pairing I’ve found is with classic fish and chips.

We spoke with Darwin Brewing Co. Director of Operations Blue Hellenga about Llama Mama Milk Stout.

BC: Who came up with this beer’s recipe?
I did after I arrived at Darwin in 2019. I tweaked parts of the original recipe that was developed back in 2012.

BC: What’s your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)?
My favorite aspect of this beer is the layers of it after you take a sip and how the robustness turns into a smooth finish.

BC: Where does this beer’s name come from?
Darwin Brewing Company started as a Latin American gastropub with Peruvian/Incan theme. This was one of the first beers we brewed. The llama is a major symbol in Peru of the Incan Empire.

BC: Is this your “desert island beer?”
It is my go-to dessert beer rather than desert island beer.

BC: Can you describe this beer in 10 words or less?
Full-bodied, smooth, sweet, caramel and coffee.

BC: Do you know a story – or have a personal story – that revolves around this beer?
This beer is an echo of what Darwin Brewing once was and a major symbol of where we are headed. Yet, if you listen closely those echoes can still be heard with every sip.

BC: What's a good food pairing for this beer?
Roasted duck with grilled veggies and a slice of dark chocolate cake.