Duck Duck Gooze is The Lost Abbey’s homage to traditional Belgian gueuze, first released in 2009 and produced only once every three years, making each release a genuine event among American sour beer fans. It blends young and old barrel-aged beer in the traditional gueuze method, and has become one of the most decorated American attempts at the style.
The Lost Abbey Duck Duck Gooze at a glance
| Style | American gueuze-style sour ale |
| ABV | 7% |
| Calories | Around 205 per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | The Lost Abbey (Port Brewing), San Marcos, California, USA |
| Ingredients | Blended young and old barrel-aged beer, wild yeast and bacteria |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, contains barley |
| Typical price | Around $20 to $30 for a 750ml bottle where available |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Duck Duck Gooze leans bright and citrus-forward, closer to a lively young gueuze than a heavily oxidised, sherry-like blend.
The full review
It pours a lightly hazy pale gold with fine, persistent carbonation. The aroma brings bright lemon and lime with a dough-like sheen, less overtly barnyard-funky than some traditional Belgian gueuze, but every bit as complex.
The palate delivers a metered acidity that drives a range of citrus and tropical fruit notes, from kiwi to lychee, with a soft and accessible structure despite the intense sourness. Every sip assaults the palate initially, elevated acetic acids doing their work, before settling into a long, refreshing finish.
Released only once every three years, this is a genuine event beer for American sour fans, and the quality holds up to that hype: a well-balanced, citrus-driven gueuze that has earned real respect from Belgian traditionalists, not just domestic drinkers.
Released once every three years, and it earns every bit of the wait with genuine gueuze-level complexity.
- Widely respected as one of the best American gueuze-style beers
- Bright, citrus-forward complexity that stands up to Belgian originals
- A genuine event release that rewards patient sour beer fans
- Released only once every three years, extremely limited availability
- Very difficult to find outside of release day and secondary markets
- High price reflects its rarity and reputation
Who it is for
Dedicated sour beer collectors chasing one of the most acclaimed American gueuze-style beers, and anyone curious how far domestic lambic-inspired brewing has come.
The Lost Abbey Duck Duck Gooze FAQs
What does The Lost Abbey Duck Duck Gooze taste like?
Bright lemon and lime with a dough-like sheen, metered acidity driving citrus and tropical fruit flavours from kiwi to lychee, and a soft, accessible structure despite the intense sourness.
How strong is Duck Duck Gooze?
7% ABV.
How often is Duck Duck Gooze released?
Only once every three years, since its original 2009 release, making each batch a significant event for American sour beer fans.
Is Duck Duck Gooze gluten free?
No, it is brewed with a barley malt base.
Is Duck Duck Gooze a true traditional gueuze?
It is an American interpretation using blended young and old barrel-aged beer in the traditional gueuze method, though it is typically classified as an American sour ale rather than Belgian lambic.
Where is Duck Duck Gooze brewed?
At The Lost Abbey (Port Brewing) in San Marcos, California.
Where to find it
Released directly through the brewery on a specific release day roughly every three years, with limited allocation to specialty retailers; largely unavailable otherwise.
The verdict
The Lost Abbey Duck Duck Gooze is one of the most acclaimed American gueuze-style beers made, and its once-every-three-years release schedule only adds to the occasion. An outstanding four point four out of five.
