Chris O.
Yelp
Though I have not been to dine-in yet due to the pandemic, Swiftwater deserved this review due to their excellent beers and hygienic, easy-as-it-gets parking lot pickup. I was searching for some time for a local, drive-through brewery in Rochester, and Swiftwater hit all the marks. It's super easy: you just order online, pull up into their parking lot, give your name, turn around, and you're on your way home with some great craft beers. Orders are ready almost immediately. The outdoor dine-in area also looks very friendly and safe.
As for their beers: so far, the "Maibock" has been my favorite: I am a huge fan of German and Austrian beers, and this replicated the taste quite closely, although at 8% it packs a punch. I would like to see a milder version of this lager type. I can also recommend the "Boat Drinks" IPA; despite the fanciful description, it is actually rather standard as IPAs go. I was excited to try "Alpaca Kisses," and was anticipating a taste similar to a personal favorite, Fat Head's "Bumbleberry," but found it a bit too bitter; in general, I think today's American microbreweries go overboard with the sour and bitter notes: if it's a fruit-flavored beer, let some of the fruit's sweetness in there, too!
I was originally skeptical of the massive growlers in which most of their take-out beers are sold, but actually, they are rather endearing and encourage sharing. All in all, a great local microbrewery. I hope to try the food sometime soon, as well.