I had high expectations for Duck Donuts given all the recommendations by others when I moved here. My visit was a disappointment.
It is a cake based donut that seems to be fried in oil.. this ruins the texture of the donut and allows the donut to retain a lot of the oil! I couldn't hold the donut without it crumbling and falling apart.
I ordered a dozen donuts so I could I try as many flavors as possible! I came to the realization that there was only one flavor but many different "decorations;" they all taste of oil and sugar! It was extremely difficult to pinpoint most of the flavors! So much so I started blindfolding people in the parking lot and having them try a donut and tell me the flavor. The consensus was that no one could taste anything but sugar and oil..
2/5 because the prices were at least attractive.
Conclusion: I won't be back, nor recommend, and will continue to look for the best donuts in Charlotte.