F.X. Matt expands with purchase of Flying Dog Brewery

F.X. Matt Brewing Company will be expanding its production with the acquisition of Flying Dog Brewery, a craft brewery from Maryland.

Flying Dog is known for its variety of craft-style brands similar to Saranac, but with a much higher alcohol content — typically 8% or more. They’re also known for the original artwork on their beer labels and for having a history of provocatively named products.

F.X. Matt’s acquisition of Flying Dog comes as the company continues to invest and expand the 135-year-old family-owned business — with around $56 million allocated over the last few years toward a new brewhouse and tank farm, as well as new equipment and packaging.

“Our focus is growing our business, as always. We’ve been in business 135 years, and the intention is to stay in business another 135 years,” said Fred Matt, president of F.X. Matt Brewing Company, on acquiring the Flying Dog brand.

Although Matt did not disclose any financial details about the acquisition of Flying Dog, he said the sale would benefit both sides. “It’s a win-win for everybody,” Matt said, adding that the Flying Dog Brewery in Frederick, Maryland, needed additional investments that the Maryland company was not able to make.

In a statement from Flying Dog Brewery after the deal was announced on May 22, Flying Dog CEO Jim Caruso said, “Frederick is a great place to live and do business, unfortunately even though we have invested millions of dollars in the brewery, it has too many limitations and puts Flying Dog at too great a competitive disadvantage.”

While Flying Dog’s entire production will move to Utica, it will still maintain a presence in Maryland, as plans for tasting rooms and an innovation brewery are under way, ensuring that the brand will stay alive in the state where it began.

“[Maryland] is an area that is really growing and another opportunity to make sure the brand stays visible and grows,” Matt said.

F.X. Matt’s increase in production will come with the need for additional jobs at the Utica brewery. Matt has confirmed the brewery will be posting open positions to fulfill the needs for increased production, as well as other departments like finance, marketing and sales.

F.X. Matt has already begun producing products for Flying Dog. They are expecting to start layering in more production the week of June 25, and are expecting to fully produce all Flying Dog products by Aug. 1, the same day the deal will close.