Plumpy: Knowledge Is Sour
Swiftwater Brewing Company

Pours rich, deep amber-to-copper, with violet tones. There is a chill fog that gives it a transluscent nature. With each sip, thick rings of fine bubbles smear lace on an Offero oversized wine glass.

The aroma is aggressively sour, with tons of overripe fermented fruit. There is a cornicopia of muddy fruit that has moments of clarity ie: apples, pears, plums, apricots, and possibly even honey. Warmth draws out distinct aromas of oak.

Sourness delivers as well as the combination of fruits identified in the aroma. Lemon makes a surprise appearance. This has a peculiar aggressiveness and subtlety, simultaneously. The finish is long and ranging from powerful to moderate, never really subsiding.

With a medium body, the unctuous texture gives this a super smooth mouthfeel. Alcohol is overwhelmed, though present, by the high sourness and tartness. Carbonation is super fine and light.

Plumpy Knowledge is Sour easily competes with the better, more well-known examples of this style. It plays all the expected notes, while adding layers of its own unique character. While there is a progressive development, the progression is short. This bottle had eight months of age before I enjoyed it on a cold, wet, early spring afternoon. It added color to the otherwise bleak quarantined world.

 

On tap at Swiftwater Brewing Company in Rochester, NY.

This one pours a light pink-ish/reddish color, with a small head, and not much lacing.

This is very lacto-heavy on the nose, with sour plum, and a touch of lemon skin.

This isn't quite as punchy as I'd want, as it's very sour, but with a muted plum character. There's not a ton of barrel or oak to add some complexity.

This is light bodied, and very drinkable, with a nice crispness to it.

This is a bit simplistic, but at least it tastes pretty good.