When the team at Flying Dog threw down a gauntlet and challenged us to a battle collaboration entitled International Arms Race there was no way we were not going to take them on and show them who is boss when it comes to the brewing dogs!

The International Arms Race is a new type of collaboration: the brewing team from both Flying Dog and BrewDog set the parameters for the beer and the battle kicked off.

Both beers are dubbed 'Zero IBU IPA' and the challenge was to brew an IPA style beer using no hops: the hops are replaced with berries, herbs and roots. And we want you to judge who the winner is: Flying Dog or BrewDog!

With both beers now ready, the Flying Dog beer and brewing team are on their way to the UK for the show-down.

“Collaboration was never an option,” Brophy said. “It’s a long word that takes entirely too long to type. So, we challenged BrewDog to a battle of the brewing arts and they accepted. Now, it’s time to face off.”

And face off we will Matt Brophy (BrewMaster & COO) and Ben Savage (Vice President) coming over for 5 epic head to head events in BrewDog bars in August. We assume Ben is Vice President of Flying Dog, not actual America, but you never know with US job titles.

Each event will see our draft lines split between BrewDog beers and Flying Dog beers (including plenty of Flying Dog rarities never before seen outside the US). Matt and Ben will be at each event to talk more about Flying Dog and their beers and answer all your questions too. Each event will also feature a drinker vote to determine which of the battle beers will be crowned the winner.

BrewDog Aberdeen Thursday, 7pm August 23

BrewDog Glasgow Friday, 7pm August 24 with live music

BrewDog Newcastle Saturday, 4pm August 25 with live music

BrewDog Manchester Sunday, 3pm August 26 with an awesome BBQ!

BrewDog Camden, August 27 at 7pm Camden

Both the BrewDog and Flying Dog bottled beers will be available to buy online from our webshop for those who can't make it to one of the events.

And just to add another little edge to the contest, the labels will also be a battle of the illustrators with long time friend of BrewDog Johanna Basford going head to head with the legendary Ralph Steadman to illustrate the labels for the respective beers.

Now, it’s time to see who’s boss. And we’re ready for war.

Oh and we have some pretty cool t-shirts that will be available at the events too.