Twelve
Rushing Duck Brewing Company

 

Reviewed one day after can release for Rushing Duck's 12th anniversary. Poured into a shaker glass. It pours a hazy, muddy tangerine color with over a finger cap of creamy, milk-white foam and lots of thick, clinging lacing that lasted through the pour. The aroma is intense with grapefruit, pineapple, tropical fruit, red berry, and some earthy malt notes. Its flavor is also big and well-balanced between tart grapefruit and lemon, and sweeter tropical and stone fruits. Although I don't think Rushing Duck used lactose there is hint of vanilla cream that adds sweetness. The malt bill provides an earthy base and there is mild, clean bitterness throughout. This can is fresh and there is some hop burn at the finish. I suspect a week or so in the can will cure that. This ale is luxuriously creamy with appropriate carbonation, and while initially it doesn't drink like 9.8% ABV it sneaks up on you. Overall, Twelve is a sensory delight. A fitting anniversary offering from one of my favorite breweries.