A cherished institution in North Carolina's brewing landscape has come to an end. Duck Rabbit Craft Brewery, famous for its Milk Stout and Baltic Porter, announced its closure after twenty years of operation. The brewery, located in Farmville, faced significant financial challenges that ultimately led to this decision. Established by Paul Philippon, a former philosophy professor, the brewery became renowned for its dark beer offerings and philosophical branding inspired by the duck-rabbit illusion.

The Final Chapter of Duck Rabbit Brewery

In the heart of Farmville, North Carolina, a town with just over 4,500 residents as of 2023, lay the storied Duck Rabbit Craft Brewery. For two decades, it thrived under the leadership of its founder, Paul Philippon, who brought his unique perspective from academia into the world of brewing. At its height, the brewery supplied six states and produced approximately 3,000 barrels annually. However, recent years saw increasing costs for essential ingredients like hops and malt, compounded by supply chain issues and evolving consumer tastes favoring lighter beverages such as seltzers. This perfect storm culminated in the brewery's closure, marked officially during its final weekend of operations on April 26–27, 2025.

Named after a classic optical illusion that invites viewers to see either a rabbit or a duck, the brewery embodied ambiguity and dual perspectives—a fitting tribute to its creator's academic background. As part of the winding-down process, all assets will be auctioned off to settle remaining debts.

From a journalist's standpoint, the story of Duck Rabbit serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges facing small businesses in rapidly changing markets. It highlights not only the importance of adaptability but also the lasting impact these local establishments leave on their communities. Even though Duck Rabbit has closed its doors, its legacy lives on through the memories shared by those who enjoyed its rich brews and embraced its distinctive philosophy.