From the Beer Writer: When Duck Foot Brewing Co. was in its planning stages, the only thing I knew about it right off the bat was that it would be a 100% gluten-reduced beer brewery. This was years before ale’s stripped of gluten were as commonplace as they are (thankfully) becoming, so I was as skeptic as many G-flat beer virgins. Then I tasted the beers and all of my concerns were laid to rest. Going by the reactions of the many local craft enthusiasts I’ve talked to who have been to Duck Foot, this scenario has played out many times at the company’s Miramar-based tasting room. Duck Foot is one of the best breweries to open in 2015, so I was pleased to have them come aboard as a late-year addition to the roster of participants in the Beer to the Rescue lupus awareness campaign. Their contribution to the cause is Duck Foot The Persuasive Blonde, an American-style blonde ale brewed with agave syrup and lavender. Coming in at 5.8% alcohol-by-volume, it fits well with the company’s line of mostly sessionable, to-style yet slightly playful brews.
From the Brewer: “When Duck Foot learned about the opportunity to collaborate and help the Lupus Foundation of Southern California, we didn’t hesitate. Little did they know that, as a young college graduate, I scored one of my first and most gratifying jobs ever working as a web developer for DX Lupus a non-profit dedicated to helping educate people with lupus. It was there I first learned about the severity of the disease and its effect on people. We are extremely excited to continue to help by raising awareness about lupus, in this case, while enjoying some tasty craft beer. For The Persuasive Blonde, we the original version of our American Blonde Ale (which itself is a bold interpretation of the style with biscuit and wheat malts) and added doses of lavender flowers and agave syrup. The lavender gives the beer a hint of floral aromatics and melds seamlessly with the Cascade aroma hops, while the agave—added post-fermentation—lends a touch of sweetness and intrigue. Together, they make a beer that will be persuasive throughout the Duck Foot tasting room. We look forward to sharing this educational experience with you.”—Matt DelVecchio, Head Quack, Duck Foot Brewing Co.