Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

Beer Review: Birra del Borgo Duchessic Ale

Italian craft beer
by Mike Lorenz on Dec 19, 2011 in Beer for Barra
Beer Review: Birra del Borgo Duchessic Ale

If one were to oversimplify things, Italy would be known for bread, pasta and wine. Several creative minds are trying to rewrite this story to encompass Italian craft beer, including brewmaster Leonardo Divincenzo and Birra del Borgo. In 2010, the Lazio, Italy-based brewery (just east of Rome) opened New York City’s Birreria in partnership with countrymate Baladin Brewing and Delaware’s Dogfish Head. Thanks to the success of this brewpub atop Mario Batali’s food-and-drink extravaganza Eataly, del Borgo’s increasingly impressive roster of crafts is now spreading throughout the U.S., available in select bottle shops and bars. In Philly, two of the brewery's labels are available on tap at newly-opened Rocchino's, in Old City.

Along with standards and seasonals, del Borgo brews a series of monthly experimental concoctions known as “Le Bizarre.” These are extremely limited editions, released in bottles, kegs and casks. For this review, I tasted the delightful Duchessic ale, a unique blend of del Borgo’s Duchessa saison with a Cantillion lambic.

Poured into a tulip glass from a mini 12-oz. wine bottle, Duchessic releases a foamy white head like that of a traditional saison. The scent is a pleasing combination of the funky, wild yeasts of a saison with the sweet, dark cherry of the lambic. Each sip follows the nose of the beer precisely, perfectly balancing the qualities of the two brew styles. This is a very unique quaff, with a wonderfully crisp mouthfeel finished with a deep, lingering tartness.

Cantillion is one of the most heralded breweries in the world, so building off of their lambic is guaranteed to be a good bet. The recipe leads to a remarkable flavor profile and is a bold innovation. With creations like Duchessic, Birra del Borgo is helping make the case for Italian craft beer.

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Canada's Next Level Response to Tariffs Removes All U.S. Wine & Spirits From the Shelves

Canada's Next Level Response to Tariffs Removes All U.S. Wine & Spirits From the Shelves

Part of Canada's response, their retaliation, to the tariffs imposed on Canadian goods coming into the U.S. ha...read more ›

by Lew Bryson Mar 17, 2025
Philadelphia Craft Ice Co: Inside Look at the Ice Elevating Philly's Cocktail Scene

Philadelphia Craft Ice Co: Inside Look at the Ice Elevating Philly's Cocktail Scene

Philadelphia Craft Ice is the first artisanal ice company in Philly focused on elevating the quality of cockta...read more ›

by Drink Philly Mar 9, 2025
The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

Have you ever dreamed of having an amazing home bar, filled with bottles you actually use and the tools you need to execute a fine crafted cocktail? E...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Nov 14, 2014
SPONSORED
Spirit Cruises January 2023 Desktop Bottom Rectangle 1
Franklin Mortgage Launches Pop-up Flower Shop & Speakeasy for Flower Show, March 2-8

Franklin Mortgage Launches Pop-up Flower Shop & Speakeasy for Flower Show, March 2-8

The Franklin Mortgage in Rittenhouse is transforming their entire space into a pop-up flower shop featuring a ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 25, 2025
Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Ed Lazzerini says his goal is clear - to make world class wine in Pennsylvania. From the taste of it, he is well on his way. ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Nov 21, 2020
The 12th Annual Philly Bierfest Celebrates the Rich History of Brewing German-Style Beers in Pennsylvania, February 22

The 12th Annual Philly Bierfest Celebrates the Rich History of Brewing German-Style Beers in Pennsylvania, February 22

The German Society of Philadelphia's 12 Annual Bierfest returns February 22 with a selection of over 50 German...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Feb 18, 2025
Behind the Bar: Solomon Thomas - Ambassador, Bartender, & Industry Community Advocate

Behind the Bar: Solomon Thomas - Ambassador, Bartender, & Industry Community Advocate

In this segment of Behind the Bar, we get a chance to speak with bartender and industry community advocate, So...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 4, 2025
Best Oktoberfests, Festivals, Block Parties & Halloween Events to Celebrate Fall in Philly

Best Oktoberfests, Festivals, Block Parties & Halloween Events to Celebrate Fall in Philly

Crisp weather and shorter days bring a variety of autumn events to Philadelphia. From yacht parties to haunted...read more ›

by Drink Philly Sep 15, 2024
Bar Palmina: Inside Look at Fishtown's Newest No-Alcohol Bar

Bar Palmina: Inside Look at Fishtown's Newest No-Alcohol Bar

One of the hottest new cocktail spots to hit the Fishtown neighborhood serves cocktails with no alcohol at all...read more ›

by Drink Philly Sep 11, 2024
Rittenhouse Goes Car-Free Every Sunday in September: Here are the Best Bars to Hit

Rittenhouse Goes Car-Free Every Sunday in September: Here are the Best Bars to Hit

Center City District will close the streets allowing pedestrians to enjoy outdoor seating, music, and activiti...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Sep 6, 2024
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close