Duck-Rabbit Brewery, established in June of 2004, specializes in dark beer. In 2012, the new microbrewery started selling Duck-Rabbit Brown Ale, as well as D-R Milk Stout and Amber Ale, in both kegs and bottles to select accounts. At the time, according to Paul Philippon, brewmaster and founder of the company. “There are rich dark beer traditions that are under-represented in our beer market. As a dark beer specialist, the Duck-Rabbit has a great opportunity to serve a thirsty niche of specialty beer lovers.” Their director of marketing said his goal was to get their wonderful ales into the hands of as many people as possible, spreading the joy. Your favorite Beer of the Month Club is so proud to lend a hand!
So what’s up with the logo? Before becoming a brew guru, Philippon taught university philosophy, and a similar image appeared in a book he admired. Using this unique logo ties him to his former life, and he’s still conflicted — is it a duck head, or a rabbit head? (And there’s a split decision at the Great American Beer Club, too!)
Stare at the logo long enough, and it won’t matter! Just enjoy their Duck-Rabbit Amber Ale, a medium bodied beer with a lovely tawny copper/bronze color. This brew emphasizes malt complexity with layered caramel malt flavors. They put a lot of effort into getting this amber just right . . . and they are rightfully proud of the result! This honey-colored honey of a brew is full-flavored with great body. It’s a top notch top-fermented ale with perfect balance between “hop” (excuse the pun) flavor and malt character. It’s assertive, but not highly bitter. Hop to it and pair this Duck-Rabbit brew with the best cuts of pork, bacon or ham.
Duck-Rabbit’s Milk Stout is a traditional, full-bodied stout brewed with lactose (milk sugar). The subtle sweetness imparted by the lactose balances the sharpness of the highly roasted grains which give this delicious beer its unexpected black color. Stouts are usually rich, very dark, full-bodied ales, top fermented, highly hopped and dry. Often times rich and creamy, this version, subtly sweet, is a perfect fit for dinners ending with any chocolate dessert.
