Sour Beer
A broad beer category where acidity is an intentional part of the flavour, ranging from lightly tart and refreshing to complex and intensely sour.
TartAcidicVaried
Understanding Sour Beer
Sour beer is not one recipe. Acidity may come from different fermentation methods and traditions, and fruit, salt, herbs or barrel character may also appear depending on the style.
What to notice
Notice the type and intensity of acidity, sweetness, fruit character, carbonation and finish rather than treating all sourness as the same.
Food context
Bright acidity can work with rich food, fruit-led dishes and cheeses, but intensity varies widely between beers.
Related styles
PilsnerA pale lager style known for a crisp finish, noticeable carbonation and a balance between light malt and hop bitterness.IPAA hop-forward beer family where aroma, bitterness and fruit, citrus, pine or resin-like hop character often take the lead.Wheat BeerA beer family using a significant proportion of wheat, often associated with soft grain character, lively carbonation and distinctive fermentation aromas.StoutA dark beer family associated with roasted malt flavours that can suggest coffee, cocoa, toast or dark grain.