Remix discovers how to perfect the art of ice cream with Duck Island’s Head of Flavour
When it comes to the art of ice cream, Duck Island has perfected the craft. Since their launch in 2015, Duck Island Ice Cream has become the go-to after-dinner (or any time of day really) treat for Kiwis, with their iconic stores often seen accompanied by a flurry of customers spilling out of the front door, and onto the street.
In an attempt to discover Duck Island’s secret to creating the most delicious ice cream in New Zealand (and dare we say, the world?), Remix sat down with Morgan Glass, Duck Island Ice Cream’s Head of Flavour Department, to get the inside scoop on what goes into developing an iconic Duck Island Ice Cream flavour.
What goes into creating a new flavour, from the initial idea to the final product?
Our new flavours are determined by things like seasonality of produce, calendar events, collaborations with other brands, or just by us wanting to make a certain flavour of ice cream. After the initial concept is decided, we will then make multiple small batches of the flavour or different variations of it, before upsizing once we’re happy with its texture and flavour.
How do you know when a flavour idea is truly ‘finished’?
We usually have a team of around ten people at our head office who taste all the new flavours before they’re sent out to the world, so it has to pass that taste test first!
What is something people would be surprised to learn about the ice cream-making process?
People are often surprised that we use real ingredients in our ice creams rather than essences. If our flavour says it has popcorn in it, then it will be made by infusing popcorn into our ice cream base, not artificial popcorn flavour.
Duck Island is known for creating flavours that aren’t the ‘norm’, how do you know what will work and what won’t?
We don’t always, and sometimes we get it wrong. Though we usually have a fair idea how it will go, for instance, anything with alcohol in it is never a big seller, and anything pastry-based usually flies out the door.
What is your favourite Duck Island ice cream flavour, or a flavour you are most proud of?
Orange Blossom Chocolate Chip is up there. Also, Blackberry Sage and Honey.
What do you think makes Duck Island stand out amongst its competitors?
Above all else, taste…
If you could recommend just one flavour that people often overlook, which would it be and why?
Blueberry Buttermilk Gooey Buttercake. It has moreish little butter cake pieces and a nice buttermilk tang.
Finally, what is your dream ice cream flavour?
Salted Caramel & Cacao Crumb.
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