Try?
A long time ago, in a country far, far
away, a really great beer style was born. Today, it's known as Baltic
Porter, mostly because it was brewed in the countries we now call the
Baltic States, though really in Poland and Sweden, too. Inspired by the
Imperial Stouts that made passage through the area on their way from England
to the courts of the Czars in Russia, these could be equally roasty and
dark. Unlike those beers, however, Baltic porters were and are bottom
fermented like lagers.
Today, Baltic Porter may not be one of the most widely produced styles in the world, but it is occasionally produced, even by microbreweries right here in the good old US of A. A cousin to strong stouts, this is an interesting style of strong, hearty brew well suited to the cold winter months. And one of the more interesting examples I've come across in some time is Duck-Rabbit Baltic Porter from Farmington, North Carolina's Duck-Rabbit brewery.
The brewers at Duck-Rabbit consider themselves to be "the dark beer specialists" (though they do produce the occasional lighter hued brew as well). That said, a Baltic Porter seems a given for them, and they've done well with this one. While a bit pricey at about $12 a six-pack, the quality here certainly justifies the cost.
Duck-Rabbit beers are sold in the Carolinas and Georgia. If you live in these states or are just passing through, they're worth seeking out. Farmeville is located just north of Charlotte, and the brewery welcomes visitors. A tour through a small, artisan brewery like theirs can offer a magnificent education on how beer, real beer, is made.
The Duck-Rabbit Baltic Porter pours to a jet-black color with a light
creamy tan head formation and a spicy nose of fruit and dark malt. The
mouthfeel is full and rich; the liquid simply gliding over the tongue as you
sip, depositing a wonderful array of flavors: fruity green olive, rich dark
chocolate, roasty espresso, and spicy licorice.
I'm getting powdery cocoa in the finish with, as one might expect, a generous hit of warming alcohol (the alcohol content on this one is a whopping 9% by volume). That helps to dry the beer; more roasty malt does too. A wonderful sipping brew and one easily paired with sweet chocolate desserts. I simply love this one, and I'll have to admit it's fast become my favorite domestic version of the style.
Today, Baltic Porter may not be one of the most widely produced styles in the world, but it is occasionally produced, even by microbreweries right here in the good old US of A. A cousin to strong stouts, this is an interesting style of strong, hearty brew well suited to the cold winter months. And one of the more interesting examples I've come across in some time is Duck-Rabbit Baltic Porter from Farmington, North Carolina's Duck-Rabbit brewery.
The brewers at Duck-Rabbit consider themselves to be "the dark beer specialists" (though they do produce the occasional lighter hued brew as well). That said, a Baltic Porter seems a given for them, and they've done well with this one. While a bit pricey at about $12 a six-pack, the quality here certainly justifies the cost.
Duck-Rabbit beers are sold in the Carolinas and Georgia. If you live in these states or are just passing through, they're worth seeking out. Farmeville is located just north of Charlotte, and the brewery welcomes visitors. A tour through a small, artisan brewery like theirs can offer a magnificent education on how beer, real beer, is made.
I'm getting powdery cocoa in the finish with, as one might expect, a generous hit of warming alcohol (the alcohol content on this one is a whopping 9% by volume). That helps to dry the beer; more roasty malt does too. A wonderful sipping brew and one easily paired with sweet chocolate desserts. I simply love this one, and I'll have to admit it's fast become my favorite domestic version of the style.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft
