Peach Sour
Hi-Wire Brewing

Today, the brewmaster's version of mixology has more to do fermentation cultures than it does about flavoring to taste. And the mixed cultures of Hi-Wire manifests in a bracingly sour ale that's highlighted by copious amounts of peaches. Ok, brewers sometimes can't help themselves.

Simply named Peach Sour, the beer literally pours with a golden peach hue that's cast in a fine mesh haze. Its cottony white swath of foam is followed by the puckering scent of peach candy, true lactic acids and a faint drift of sea air, burlap and weathered balsa. A gentle sweetness graces the tongue with a light candied taste of taffy, pastry and orchard fruit.

But then like pop rocks, the acidity explodes on the middle palate and brings the peaches to life. Thwarting off anything sweet, the essence of peach develops a peppery white wine and cider taste laced with gooseberry, lime, lemon and sour white grape. Intensifying in its sourness, the late palate is cleanly of peach and faint funk as its wincing acidity teases and taunts the senses.

Light in body, the beer's acids and alcohol dry the palate like an effervescent brut champagne. A brief aftertaste of branch aged peach and light oak flutter away in a highly thirst quenching, refreshing, crisp and clean finish. Its a simple sour ale with a one-note palate, but its sheer intensity definitely makes up for its lack in depth. Next up: Tums beer!