Flying Dog Open Source Beer Project

I received an email from Flying Dog last night announcing a new effort they have under way to brew an "open source" beer.  The goal is to take user input on hops, yeast, malt, and brewing methodology to develop a Dopplebock for release in October as part of their "Wild Dog" series.  It will be available in 750 mL hand corked bottles with only 5,000 bottles available nationwide.  According to comments on their website, this is not the first effort of its kind, but I think it may be one of the first established, commercial breweries to undertake such a project.  Personally I think it is a great idea and a great way to get the homebrewing community involved with Flying Dog.  However, I wish they had not forced a style on the project and had instead allowed the community to decide.  It might even have evolved into a totally new style or a hybrid of two existing.  Of course, no guidance at all might leave the project headed in 20 different directions right out of the gate.  In keeping with the "open" parallel to software, I guess you have to decide whether you want to create the next iTunes or Excel.   

So if you want to help shape this future release, be sure to check out their dedicated website: Open  Source Beer Project.  I know I plan to check back on a regular basis to see how the development is going.