Plonk! isn't the first time Stone & Wood's brewers have looked to blur the lines between beer and wine in their Counter Culture series. They've put out the sparkling shiraz-inspired Who Really Is Wayne Dubois? and Lovely Bubbly, while the whole thing kicked off with Killer Kween, which was an imperial raspberry Berliner weisse yet was reminiscent in many ways of a summery rosé. Joining them here is what they're calling a "white wine inspired sour ale".
It's delivered in cans that feel like a departure from the admittedly diverse visual style of much of the series, with Plonk! coming across like a poster for some European slapstick comedy from the 70s. And while it's white wine inspired, it's not as obviously wine-like as some of its predecessors, not least as there’s a prominent and soft, sponge finger maltiness that first captured my attention.
The vinousness – texture and flavour wise – follows as peach, apricot and a touch of viscous acidity make themselves known. The American oak and nigh on 7 percent ABV adds to the softness in what ultimately comes across as tangy wheat beer meets oaked chard.
James Smith
Published May 26, 2023 2023-05-26 00:00:00
