Duck Rabbit Brunch

The Borough hosted their second beer brunch on Sunday, March 14th. It featured four of Duck-Rabbit's beers, paired with four brunch courses. The beer highlight was the Barleywine, fresh from Farmville. I was worried with it being so fresh that it would be a bit rough, hot with alcohol, and not very good. Lucky for us I was wrong. The beer was actually very balanced (for a Barleywine) and a good hybrid between English and American styles. Paul, the head brewer, called it a "Farmville" style barleywine. It was nice and malty, with plenty of caramel and sweetness to back up the hops. The hops were noticeable, but far from overpowering, a great combination of flavors. Now that was only the second beer, which left me wondering how the transition to the next beer would go. They chose the Brown ale, which is a hoppy American style. It actually worked, and did not taste weak or bland even after the Barleywine which was my concern.

Overall it was a good experience, although four full twelve ounce beers was a bit too much compared with the size of the food courses. The food was excellent, with the most enjoyable course being the black cherry tart, which was paired with the Milk Stout. The courses and beers are listed below:
Smoked Tomato Soup with Porter
Herb and Cheese Potato Gratin with Barleywine
Roast Chicken with Herbs and root vegetables with Brown Ale
Black Cherry Tart with Milk Stout

The next brunch we attend, we will make sure to have a more formidable breakfast, so that one of us does not get a little too tipsy from brunch...

Olde Rabbit's Foot Release Party

After hearing about this collaboration brew earlier this year, I was patiently awaiting the release. Lucky for me that time has finally come. The beer is Bourbon barrel aged Imperial Stout. The brewers also decided to add honey and cocoa nibs to this one of a kind beer. Olde Hickory Brewery, Duck Rabbit, and Foothills used their combined expertise to craft Olde Rabbit's Foot.

The party will start at 11am on December 12th at Foothills Brewing in Winston Salem. They are located on 4th St. Olde Rabbit's Foot will be released in 22oz bottles, pricing is to be determined.

Another Special Duck-Rabbit Release!

From Beerinator.com:

The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery, Farmville, North Carolina's award winning microbrewery, is set to release its first lager, Duck-Rabbitor Doppelbock. Duck-Rabbitor is made with over 50% Munich malt and is hopped exclusively with Hallertaur hops. After fermentation the beer was lagered for 14 weeks prior to filtration. This beer is a malt lovers dream, with its full body and creamy mouthfeel. Duck-Rabbitor is a very limited release and will be draft only. The beer will start showing up in select markets where Duck-rabbit is sold in the upcoming weeks. We hope you enjoy Duck-Rabbit's first lager.

Sounds tasty, I'll be looking forward to this one for sure!

New Bar - Foundation

I've been aware that a new bar called Foundation was opening on Fayetteville St. for a couple months now.  It opened 2 weeks ago, and I finally made it out after work this afternoon.  Their space is a nice, cozy and relaxing renovation that is actually under Fayetteville St.  They do not serve any food - so they do charge $1 for their membership.  Inside you find a welcoming atmosphere, with a wooden bar, and multiple tables throughout the rest of the space.  There are 8 total taps - including 2 that will be rotating.  Foundation focuses on locally produced beverages, featuring only North Carolina beer, mostly North Carolina wine, and all of their liquors are from the United States - Rums are from the Virgin Islands.  I enjoyed Duck Rabbit Barleywine and French Broad Rye Hopper.  They just recieved the first keg of Fuquay's Aviator Brewing Tripel.  I was lucky enough to recieve a taste.  It had a nice yeasty, malty, sweet aroma.  I do not want to comment on tastes, as my palate was already deep into the Barleywine.  I look forward to trying the Tripel on its own - it is one of my favorite styles, and this is the first locally brewed example that I have been aware of.

If you are looking for a nice after work or late night spot for a drink or two, I highly suggest giving Foundation a shot - the atmosphere is great - no TV's, excellent music, and a very unique environment.  Pair this with a very well selected list of beers, wines and liquors and you have a winner in my mind!

Duck Rabbit Cask!

Duck Rabbit will be bringing a cask of Bourbon Barrel Aged Milk Stout to The Recovery Room in Chapel Hill on Sunday February 15th. It will be tapped at 6:30. I've had a small taste of this beer from the brewery, and I'm really looking forward to a cask-conditioned version.