Collection: Sour

Sours: Tart, Funky, and Wonderfully Unique

Sour beers are a diverse and adventurous category of beer known for their tangy, tart, and sometimes funky flavor profiles. Crafted using wild yeast strains, bacteria, or a combination of both, sours have a complexity that appeals to both seasoned beer enthusiasts and those looking for something entirely different. These beers are as much about the brewing artistry as they are about flavor, offering a one-of-a-kind drinking experience.

Key Characteristics:

• Appearance: Ranges from pale and golden to deep red or amber, often depending on fruit or aging processes.
• Flavor Profile: Tangy and acidic, with flavors ranging from lemon and green apple to tropical fruits and berries. Some sours also feature earthy, funky, or woody notes, especially if barrel-aged.
• Aroma: Bright and fruity with occasional hints of funk, spice, or oak.
• Mouthfeel: Light to medium-bodied with crisp carbonation and a refreshing, puckering finish.

Popular Sour Styles:

1. Berliner Weisse: A light, effervescent sour with a mild tartness and low alcohol content. Often served with flavored syrups like raspberry or woodruff.
2. Gose: A slightly salty and tart German-style sour, typically brewed with coriander and a touch of salt.
3. Lambic: A Belgian classic made with wild fermentation, often aged and blended to create styles like Gueuze (blended lambics) or Kriek (cherry lambics).
4. Fruited Sours: Infused with fruits like mango, raspberry, or passionfruit, highlighting sweet and tart contrasts.
5. Mixed-Fermentation Sours: A blend of wild yeast, bacteria, and traditional brewing techniques, creating complex and layered flavors.

Ideal Pairings:

Sour beers' acidity and fruity profiles make them versatile and excellent for pairing with food:

• Cheeses: Goat cheese, Brie, or blue cheese.
• Seafood: Oysters, ceviche, or grilled fish.
• Salads: Especially those with citrus-based dressings.
• Desserts: Cheesecake, fruit tarts, or sorbet.

Serving Tips:

Serve sours chilled (40–50°F) in a tulip glass to enhance their aromatic complexity and showcase their vibrant colors. Many sours are bottle-conditioned, so pour carefully to avoid disturbing the sediment.

Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer lover or a curious newcomer, sours offer an exciting and refreshing departure from traditional beer styles. Their unique blend of tartness and complexity makes them perfect for sipping, sharing, and exploring.