The Top 10 Best Sour Beers You Must Try

Sour beers are a unique and flavorful category of beer that have gained popularity in recent years. Known for their tart and acidic taste, sour beers offer a refreshing alternative to traditional beer styles. In this article, we will explore what makes sour beers unique, the different types of sour beers available, and the top 10 sour beers you must try. So, grab a glass and get ready to discover the world of sour beers!

Key Takeaways

• Sour beers are known for their tart and acidic taste.
• The souring process is what gives sour beers their unique flavor.
• There are various types of sour beers, including Gueuze, Berliner Weisse, Flanders Red Ale, Lambic, Gose, American Wild Ale, Oud Bruin, Kriek, Flemish Red Ale, and Berliner Style Weisse.

What Makes Sour Beers Unique

The Souring Process

Sour beers are known for their unique and complex flavors, which are achieved through a process called souring. During the souring process, specific strains of bacteria and wild yeast are introduced to the beer, resulting in the production of lactic acid and other organic acids. These acids give sour beers their tart and tangy taste. The length of the souring process can vary depending on the desired flavor profile, ranging from a few months to several years. It’s this careful and intentional souring process that sets sour beers apart from other beer styles.

Types of Sour Beers

Sour beers come in a variety of styles, each with its own distinct characteristics. Here are some of the most popular types of sour beers you should try:

1. Gueuze: A traditional Belgian style that is a blend of young and old lambics, resulting in a complex and tart flavor.
2. Berliner Weisse: A German wheat beer known for its refreshing and sour taste, often served with a flavored syrup.
3. Flanders Red Ale: Originating from Belgium, this beer has a rich maltiness and a fruity, acidic character.
4. Lambic: Brewed in the Pajottenland region of Belgium, lambic is spontaneously fermented and often aged in oak barrels, giving it a unique and funky flavor.
5. Gose: A sour and salty German beer style that is brewed with coriander and salt, resulting in a tangy and refreshing taste.
6. American Wild Ale: Inspired by Belgian lambics, American wild ales are often aged in oak barrels and fermented with wild yeast and bacteria, resulting in complex and funky flavors.
7. Oud Bruin: A traditional Flemish beer style that is known for its dark color, malty sweetness, and sourness.
8. Kriek: A Belgian beer made with sour cherries, kriek has a fruity and tart flavor.
9. Flemish Red Ale: Similar to Flanders Red Ale, this beer style has a malty sweetness and a sour, fruity character.
10. Berliner Style Weisse: Similar to Berliner Weisse, this beer style is known for its light and refreshing sourness.

Top 10 Sour Beers You Must Try

Gueuze

Gueuze is a traditional Belgian sour beer that is known for its complex flavors and effervescence. It is made by blending young and old lambic beers, which undergo spontaneous fermentation with wild yeast and bacteria. The result is a tart and acidic beer with a dry finish. Gueuze is often described as having notes of citrus, oak, and barnyard funk. It is typically served in a tulip-shaped glass to enhance its aroma and carbonation.

If you’re new to sour beers, Gueuze is a great place to start. Its balanced acidity and refreshing character make it a popular choice among beer enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy it on its own or pair it with food, Gueuze is sure to delight your taste buds.

Berliner Weisse

Berliner Weisse is a refreshing sour beer that is perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot summer’s day. Originating from Germany, this ale has a unique tartness that sets it apart from other beers. With its light and crisp flavor, Berliner Weisse is a popular choice among beer enthusiasts. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or pairing it with a meal, this beer is sure to delight your taste buds.

If you’re looking for a sour beer that is both refreshing and flavorful, Berliner Weisse is a great option. Its tart and tangy notes make it a perfect choice for those who enjoy a bit of acidity in their beer. Whether you’re a seasoned sour beer drinker or new to the world of sours, Berliner Weisse is a must-try.

Here are some other sour beers you might enjoy:

1. Gueuze
2. Flanders Red Ale
3. Lambic
4. Gose
5. American Wild Ale
6. Oud Bruin
7. Kriek
8. Flemish Red Ale
9. Berliner Style Weisse

So next time you’re in the mood for a refreshing and tart beer, give Berliner Weisse a try!

Flanders Red Ale

Flanders Red Ale is a classic style of sour beer that originated in the Flanders region of Belgium. It is known for its deep red color, complex flavors, and tart acidity. This beer is typically aged in oak barrels for an extended period of time, allowing it to develop unique characteristics. Flanders Red Ale often exhibits notes of dark fruit, caramel, and vinegar, with a pleasant sourness that is balanced by a touch of sweetness. It pairs well with rich, hearty dishes and is a great choice for those who enjoy bold, flavorful beers.

If you’re looking to try a Flanders Red Ale, here are some popular options:

• Rodenbach Grand Cru: This beer is considered a benchmark for the style, with its balanced acidity and complex flavor profile.
• Duchesse de Bourgogne: Known for its sweet and sour taste, this beer has notes of cherry, oak, and caramel.
• New Belgium La Folie: Aged in oak barrels for up to three years, this beer has a tart, fruity flavor with hints of green apple and cherry.

So, if you’re a fan of sour beers, don’t miss out on trying a Flanders Red Ale. Its unique flavors and complexity make it a must-try for any beer enthusiast.

Lambic

Lambic is a traditional Belgian beer that is known for its unique fermentation process. It is spontaneously fermented using wild yeast and bacteria, giving it a distinct sour and funky flavor. Lambic is typically aged in oak barrels for several months or even years, allowing it to develop complex flavors. One of the most famous lambic beers is the Gueuze, which is made by blending young and old lambics. This creates a beer with a balanced tartness and a champagne-like effervescence. If you’re a fan of sour beers, Lambic is definitely a must-try!

Gose

Gose is a traditional German sour beer that originated in the town of Goslar. It is known for its unique combination of sour, salty, and slightly fruity flavors. The brewing process involves adding coriander and salt to the beer, giving it a refreshing and tangy taste. Gose is typically light in color and has a low alcohol content, making it a perfect choice for a hot summer day. With its distinctive flavor profile, Gose is a must-try for beer enthusiasts looking to explore the world of sour beers.

American Wild Ale

American Wild Ale is a fascinating and unique category within the world of craft beer. With its complex flavors and unpredictable fermentation process, it offers a truly adventurous drinking experience. Unlike traditional ales, American Wild Ales are brewed with wild yeast and bacteria, resulting in a tart and funky taste. These beers often undergo extended aging in oak barrels, which adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile. Some popular American Wild Ales include San Marco Sour by Aardwolf Brewing Company, which has a rating of 3.7 out of 5 on Untappd with 4184 ratings and reviews.

Oud Bruin

Oud Bruin is a traditional Belgian sour beer that is known for its rich and complex flavors. It is typically dark brown in color with a malty sweetness and a tart, acidic finish. The beer is aged for an extended period of time, which allows it to develop its unique characteristics. Oud Bruin is often described as having notes of dark fruit, caramel, and oak. It pairs well with a variety of foods, including cheese, roasted meats, and chocolate desserts. If you’re a fan of sour beers, Oud Bruin is definitely one to try!

Kriek

Kriek is a traditional Belgian sour beer that is brewed with cherries. It is known for its vibrant red color and tart, fruity flavor. The cherries used in Kriek are typically sour cherries, which add a tangy and slightly sweet taste to the beer. Kriek is often aged in oak barrels, which gives it a complex and earthy character. This beer is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sourness and fruitiness in their beer. If you’re a fan of cherry flavors and sour beers, Kriek is a must-try.

Flemish Red Ale

Flemish Red Ale is a traditional top-fermented reddish-brown ale from the West-Flanders region of Belgium. It has a sour taste and is known for its complex flavors and aromas. This beer is typically aged in oak barrels, which adds depth and character to the brew. With an ABV of 6.2%, it is a medium-strength beer that is perfect for those who enjoy sour ales. Flemish Red Ale pairs well with a variety of foods, including rich meats, aged cheeses, and chocolate desserts. It is a must-try for beer enthusiasts looking to explore the world of sour beers.

Berliner Style Weisse

Berliner Style Weisse is a classic sour beer that originated in Berlin, Germany. It is known for its light and refreshing character, making it a perfect choice for hot summer days. This beer is typically low in alcohol content and has a slightly tart and tangy flavor profile. It is often brewed with a combination of malted wheat and barley, giving it a smooth and creamy mouthfeel. Berliner Style Weisse is traditionally served with a fruity syrup, such as raspberry or woodruff, to balance out the sourness. If you’re a fan of sour beers, Berliner Style Weisse is definitely one to try!

In Conclusion

Sour beers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. With their unique and complex flavors, they offer a refreshing alternative to traditional beers. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just starting to explore the world of craft brews, trying a sour beer is a must. From fruity and tart to funky and sour, there is a sour beer out there to suit every palate. So why not step out of your comfort zone and indulge in the delicious world of sour beers? Cheers!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the souring process in sour beers?

The souring process in sour beers involves the use of specific bacteria and yeast strains that produce lactic acid and other organic acids during fermentation, resulting in a tart and acidic flavor profile.

What are the different types of sour beers?

There are several types of sour beers, including Gueuze, Berliner Weisse, Flanders Red Ale, Lambic, Gose, American Wild Ale, Oud Bruin, Kriek, Flemish Red Ale, and Berliner Style Weisse.

Are sour beers suitable for everyone’s taste?

Sour beers have a unique and acquired taste that may not appeal to everyone. Some people enjoy the tart and acidic flavors, while others may find them too intense or unfamiliar.