Oisin Foster
Malt Duck beer, a blend of premium beer and concord grapes, was briefly brought back by Sprecher Brewing Company in 2016 after it disappeared from shelves in the 1990s. However, it seems that Sprecher no longer produces this beverage. While you may be able to find it in cellars or old fridges, as some Untappd users have, it is not available for purchase in stores or online.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| ABV | 5.9% |
| Calories | ~160 |
| Flavour | Sweet and dry, like wine and beer |
| Ingredients | Beer, Concord grapes |
| Manufacturer | Sprecher Brewing Company |
| Address | 701 W Glendale Ave, Glendale, WI, 53209 |
| Availability | Available in stores and bars throughout Wisconsin |
What You'll Learn
Sprecher Brewing Company's revival of Malt Duck
In 2016, the Sprecher Brewing Company briefly revived Malt Duck, a beer that was originally popular in the 1970s and 1980s before disappearing from shelves in the 1990s. The company worked closely with former distributors to bring back the brand, registering the trademark and developing a contemporary version that would appeal to modern tastes.
The original Malt Duck was a mixture of beer and concord grape juice, created by the National Brewing Co. and later acquired by G. Heileman Brewing Co. in 1975. It was produced and sold into the early 1990s, but was eventually retired in 1992. Despite its discontinuation, Malt Duck maintained a small but dedicated fanbase.
When Sprecher recreated Malt Duck, their brewmaster, Craig Burge, decided to make a rendition without added sugar, choosing Concord grape as the best option to balance the flavours. The result was a blend of premium beer and Concord grapes that appealed to a wide range of consumers, including those with nostalgic memories of the original and those trying it for the first time. Tasters noted that the beverage started sweet and finished dry, with a unique combination of wine-like and beer-like qualities.
The revived Malt Duck was 5.9% ABV and packaged in 12-ounce bottles and 6-packs. It was initially available in stores and bars throughout Wisconsin, with plans for future rollouts to additional states. However, despite its generally positive reception, the Sprecher Brewing Company eventually discontinued producing Malt Duck as priorities and consumer tastes changed.
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Where to buy Malt Duck beer in Wisconsin
Malt Duck beer, a popular beverage in the '70s and '80s, is made by Sprecher Brewing Company, located in Glendale, Wisconsin. The beer was discontinued in the 1990s but was briefly revived in 2016. The new version aimed to pay homage to its past while appealing to contemporary tastes, using Concord grapes instead of added sugar.
Malt Duck Premium Beer with Concord Grapes is available in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles and can be found in select stores and bars throughout Wisconsin. The Sprecher Brewery gift shop, located at 701 W Glendale Ave, Glendale, WI, 53209, also sells other Sprecher craft beers, including their flagship Special Amber and Black Bavarian.
The beer is distributed by Sprecher Brewing Company throughout Wisconsin, with future rollouts planned for other states. While the company primarily serves Wisconsin, select stores and bars in other states within their distribution area may also carry Malt Duck beer.
If you are unable to find Malt Duck beer, the company suggests creating your own grape beer by mixing their Grape Soda with a malty craft beer of your choice.
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Malt Duck beer's history
Malt Duck beer has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the 1960s. It was first introduced to the market in the '60s by the National Brewing Co. and quickly gained popularity as an adult beverage. In 1975, the brand was acquired by G. Heileman Brewing Co., and it continued to be produced and sold until the early 1990s.
During its heyday in the 1970s and 80s, Malt Duck was a favourite among consumers. It was known for its unique blend of beer and concord grape juice, which offered a sweet and dry taste, reminiscent of both wine and beer. However, in 1992, Malt Duck was retired, much to the disappointment of its loyal fanbase.
Despite its discontinuation, the legacy of Malt Duck lived on through social media platforms, blogs, and chat rooms, where fans shared their fond memories and expressed their desire for its return. This led the Sprecher Brewing Company to consider reviving the brand in 2016. They recognised the nostalgia and strong following that Malt Duck still held and worked closely with distributors to bring it back.
Sprecher's brewmaster, Craig Burge, played a pivotal role in recreating Malt Duck for the modern palate. He tweaked the original recipe to reduce the overpowering sweetness and created a blend of craft beer and real concord grape juice. This new version aimed to pay homage to the original while appealing to contemporary taste preferences. The revised formula was well-received by diverse focus groups, including those who fondly remembered the original and those trying it for the first time.
While Sprecher briefly brought back Malt Duck, it was eventually discontinued again due to changing priorities and consumer tastes. Today, it is no longer in production, but its impact on the beverage industry and the fond memories it evokes among its fans continue to be celebrated.
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Malt Duck beer's ingredients
Malt Duck beer was originally a mixture of beer and concord grape juice. The recipe was tweaked in 2016 by Sprecher's Brewmaster Craig Burge to suit the 21st-century palate, resulting in a less sweet beverage. The new recipe included craft beer and real concord grape juice, with the fruit being the logical starting point to balance the flavours.
The beer has a smooth, clean mouthfeel with an immediate robust red grape flavour and some grape-skin tannins. It has a balanced sweetness with very light malt in the finish. The beer pours out a murky deep dark purple colour, with a thin light purple head. The aromas are of grape juice, red wine, and grape soda, wheat, cracker, light herbal, and yeast earthiness.
Malt Duck beer is 5.9% alcohol by volume and was sold in 12-ounce bottles and 6-packs. It was available in stores and bars throughout Wisconsin, with future rollouts to additional states planned. However, it appears that Sprecher no longer makes Malt Duck beer, although they do still produce other craft beers.
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Malt Duck beer merchandise
Malt Duck beer was a popular adult beverage in the 1970s and 80s, but it was discontinued in the 1990s. The Sprecher Brewing Company briefly revived the brand in 2016, but it is no longer in production.
Although Malt Duck beer is no longer available, Sprecher Brewing Company offers a range of merchandise that fans of the brand may be interested in. Here is some information on where to buy Malt Duck beer merchandise:
Sprecher Brewing Company Gift Shop
The Sprecher Brewery gift shop, located at 701 W Glendale Ave, Glendale, WI, 53209, offers a range of merchandise in addition to their craft beers. You can visit the gift shop any day of the week to browse their selection. Their website provides more information and allows you to make tour reservations online.
Online Merchandise Stores
In addition to the physical gift shop, Sprecher Brewing Company may also offer merchandise through their online store. Check their website for the latest information on available merchandise and shipping details.
Third-Party Retailers
Sprecher Brewing Company's craft beers, including Special Amber and Black Bavarian, are available at retailers across Wisconsin. These retailers may also offer merchandise related to the brand. It's worth checking with local retailers or contacting Sprecher Brewing Company to inquire about specific merchandise availability.
While the iconic Malt Duck beer is no longer in production, fans can still show their support for the brand by purchasing merchandise from the Sprecher Brewing Company gift shop, online store, or authorised retailers.
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Frequently asked questions
Malt Duck beer was brought back in 2016 by Sprecher Brewing Company, but it has since been discontinued. You can try the Sprecher Brewery gift shop in Glendale, Wisconsin, or other retailers across Wisconsin.
Malt Duck is a blend of premium beer and concord grapes. It was first put on the market in the '60s by National Brewing Co. and was produced and sold until the early '90s.
Tasters have noted that Malt Duck starts sweet and finishes dry, "a bit like a wine; a bit like a beer".
