It’s not only American brewers that riff on traditional European styles. Inspiration flows the other way across the pond as well. And with so many wildly diverse indigenous styles, it’s no surprise that the Belgians would have open minds.

Breweries like Achoufffe, nestled in the formerly shell-cratered forests of the Ardennes, are captivated by American IPA, and now produce hoppy West-Coast inspired, but distinctly Belgian ales. Now, just to confuse the shit out of drinkers, American brewers are creating their own versions of American-inspired Belgian IPA.

Case in point, Raging Bitch from Flying Dog, a brewery that simultaneously excites me with their consistently excellent beer and annoys me by constantly milking the memory of Hunter S. Thompson (one of the most overrated writers of the 20th century). The Bitch succesfully combines the aroma and spicy hop finish with a citrusy, prominent Belgian tang.

Although a tad syrupy, the flavors marry with surprising harmony, neither extreme overpowering the other, creating the kind of hybrid that deserves, over time, to become a style in its own right. At 8.3%, it’s a bit much for an everyday drinker, but Raging Bitch works great as a pleasant wake-up call for a palate that’s tasted it all before.

-Mark