“Superior Dark Ale with a hint of misadventure”
Misadventure was definitely what I got up to over new years (yes that’s how long it has taken me to get around to tasting and reviewing this beer) and Napiers “Filter Room” is definitely worth a visit if not for the handy 6-bottle carry-away packs you can purchase but also for the sheer volume of tasting you can do there.
Tasting which includes no fewer than 5 different ciders, a range of home-grown vodkas and as this review covers over – a range of micro-brews.
Misadventure and Ducks throwin the "Heil Hitler" sign
I chose to focus on the Black Duck because of the 6 I chose to bring home with me; it had the most character and history. Right on the bottle you can read about how the beer was originally used in a recipe for duck disguised as chicken as well as the infamous recipe in-case you ever wanted to try it out. Here is a sneak peak of the recipe:
BAZ’S “SPECIAL CHECKIN” RECIPE
1 Duck (no head shots)
Gravy – 1500mls ‘Black Duck Superior Dark Ale’
The ‘no head shots’ comment is apparently an aside to one customer finding a lead pellet in her food. But I digress.
This beer definitely has a story tell and is refreshingly fun for a dark ale. The port finish is a lot sweeter than your average dark drop and it goes down easy while not demanding too much in terms of an aftertaste. I would like to avoid the ever cliché “chocolate” description and state this beer has a “roasted caramel” taste to set it apart from other dark ales.