Sour beers have gained popularity in recent years, offering a unique and complex flavor profile that appeals to beer enthusiasts. There are various styles and types of sour beers, each with its own distinct characteristics and brewing techniques. Let's explore some of the names of sour beers that you might come across in your beer-drinking adventures.
1. Lambic: Lambic beers originate from the Pajottenland region of Belgium and are typically spontaneously fermented using wild yeast and bacteria present in the environment. This traditional brewing method results in a tart, dry, and complex flavor profile. Examples include Gueuze (a blend of young and old lambic), Framboise (lambic aged with raspberries), and Kriek (lambic aged with cherries).
2. Flanders Red Ale: Flanders Red Ale, also known as Flemish Red, hails from the Flanders region of Belgium. It undergoes mixed fermentation, combining both traditional brewer's yeast and lactic acid bacteria. The result is a beer with a distinct sourness, often accompanied by fruity and oaky flavors. Notable examples include Rodenbach and Duchesse de Bourgogne.
3. American Wild Ale: This is an American take on sour beers, often brewed with locally sourced ingredients and using a variety of yeast and bacteria strains. American Wild Ales can range from mildly tart to intensely sour, with flavors that can be fruity, funky, or even vinous. Some well-known American Wild Ales include Russian River Brewing Company's Supplication and Jester King Brewery's Atrial Rubicite.
4. Gose: Originating from Goslar, Germany, Gose is a sour wheat beer that is often brewed with the addition of coriander and salt. It has a refreshing tartness and a slightly salty finish, making it a popular choice during warmer months. Notable examples include Anderson Valley Brewing Company's The Kimmie, The Yink, and The Holy Gose and Westbrook Brewing Co.'s Gose.
5. Berliner Weisse: Berliner Weisse is a light and refreshing sour wheat beer that originated in Berlin, Germany. It is known for its high acidity and often has a fruity or citrusy character. Traditionally, Berliner Weisse is served with flavored syrups like raspberry or woodruff to balance the sourness. Notable examples include Bayerischer Bahnhof's Berliner Style Weisse and The Bruery's Hottenroth.
6. Oud Bruin: Oud Bruin, or “Old Brown,” is a style of beer from Belgium that is characterized by its deep amber to brown color and malty sweetness balanced by a moderate sourness. It is often aged for an extended period, resulting in complex flavors of caramel, dark fruit, and a subtle tartness. Notable examples include Liefmans Goudenband and Bockor Brewery's Vander Ghinste Oud Bruin.
7. Fruit Lambic: Fruit Lambics are lambic beers that have been aged with the addition of various fruits, resulting in a delightful combination of sourness and fruit flavors. Examples include Cantillon's Fou' Foune (apricot lambic) and Lindemans' Framboise (raspberry lambic).
These are just a few examples of the many names and styles of sour beers that exist. Each style offers its own unique taste experience, ranging from subtle tartness to mouth-puckering sourness. Exploring the world of sour beers can be an exciting journey, allowing you to discover new flavors and expand your beer palate.