Some beers refresh, while others take your taste buds on a wild ride. Sour beers do the latter. The beer packs tart, fruity, and funky flavors that surprise with every sip. These brews range from crisp and citrusy to deep and complex, each with its own character. Ready for a flavor adventure?
What Makes Sour Beer Unique?
Sour beer stands out with its tangy bite, wild fermentation, and unexpected depth. It’s crafted using unique brewing techniques that create bold, tart, and sometimes funky flavors. Every sip brings something fresh and exciting.
- Wild Fermentation – Unlike traditional beers, sour beers rely on wild yeast and bacteria. This creates unpredictable flavors with tart and funky notes.
- Aging Process – Many sour beers age in wooden barrels, allowing flavors to develop slowly. The wood adds depth and complexity.
- Natural Acidity – Lactic acid bacteria create a crisp, tart taste. This makes sour beers refreshing and different from other styles.
- Diverse Styles – From Berliner Weisse to Lambic, each style offers unique characteristics. Some are light and fruity, while others are deep and funky.
- Balanced Funk and Fruitiness – Some sours highlight earthy, barnyard-like notes. Others focus on bright, juicy fruit flavors for a refreshing finish.
14 The Top-Rated Sour Beers You Must Try
Sour beers come in many styles, each offering a unique flavor experience. Some bring sharp acidity, while others balance tartness with fruit or oak aging. These top-rated sour beers deliver bold, exciting flavors that stand out in the craft beer world.
1. Cantillon Gueuze
ABV: 5%
This Belgian classic blends young and old lambics for a naturally carbonated, complex beer. It bursts with tart citrus, oak, and funky barnyard notes. The dry, effervescent finish makes it a refreshing yet intricate experience.
Aging in wooden barrels enhances its depth, adding layers of flavor. Every sip reveals hints of green apple, lemon zest, and a subtle earthiness. It’s a beer that evolves with time to make each bottle a unique tasting journey.
2. Russian River Supplication
ABV: 7%
Supplication is a brown ale aged in Pinot Noir barrels with tart cherries. The wine barrel aging gives it a deep, vinous character. Bright cherry flavors blend with oaky complexity and a sharp, dry finish.
It’s both tart and slightly sweet, creating a balanced yet bold taste. Notes of dark fruit, vanilla, and light funk develop as it warms. Russian River Supplication showcases expert craftsmanship with its rich layers of flavor.
3. Rodenbach Grand Cru
ABV: 6%
Rodenbach Grand Cru is a Flemish red ale with a perfect mix of sweet and sour. Aged in oak casks, it develops rich flavors of dark cherries, caramel, and balsamic vinegar. The result is a beer with depth and character.
The oak aging adds a smooth, woody undertone that complements its tartness. A touch of malt sweetness rounds out the sharp acidity. It’s an excellent introduction to traditional Belgian sours.
4. Jester King Atrial Rubicite
ABV: 5.8%
Atrial Rubicite is a wild ale packed with raspberries, delivering a bold fruit punch. It’s dry, tart, and slightly funky, with a crisp finish. The vibrant raspberry aroma makes every sip refreshing and flavorful.
Fermented with wild yeast, it develops earthy and floral undertones beneath the fruit. The balance of acidity and soft oak aging creates a complex drinking experience. This beer is a standout for its rich berry flavors and dry, refreshing profile.
5. Fonteinen Oude Geuze
ABV: 6.7%
This traditional Belgian gueuze blends different aged lambics for a bright, effervescent beer. It’s tart and complex, featuring notes of citrus, leather, and oak. The carbonation gives it a lively mouthfeel that enhances its layered flavors.
With time, it develops deeper funk and mineral qualities. Each sip reveals a mix of sharp acidity and subtle sweetness. The beer rewards those who appreciate depth and evolving flavors.
6. The Rare Barrel Ensorcelled
ABV: 7.8%
Ensorcelled is a dark sour ale aged in oak barrels with blackberries. The fruit brings deep, jammy flavors balanced against a rich, tart base. Oak aging adds hints of vanilla and spice for complexity.
Its dark malt base gives it a slightly roasty backbone. The balance between tartness and deep fruitiness makes it both bold and smooth. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy a richer sour experience.
7. Cascade Brewing Kriek
ABV: 7.7%
This Northwest-style sour is packed with cherries and aged in oak barrels. The tart cherry flavor is bold but not overpowering, blending well with the beer’s natural acidity. Each sip delivers a mix of fruit, oak, and light spice.
The extended aging process smooths out its sharp edges. Hints of vanilla and almonds develop as it warms. This beer is a well-crafted blend of bright fruit and deep complexity.
8. Westbrook Gose
ABV: 4%
Westbrook Gose is a light, tart wheat beer brewed with coriander and sea salt. It has a lemony acidity that makes it crisp and refreshing. The slight saltiness balances the sourness to make it an easy-drinking yet flavorful choice.
Its soft mouthfeel and bright citrus flavors make it perfect for warm weather. The herbal coriander adds a subtle spice. It’s simple yet full of character to prove that great sours don’t need to be complicated.
9. Brouwerij Boon Kriek Mariage Parfait
ABV: 8%
This Belgian lambic is aged with fresh cherries, creating a bold and fruity profile. The deep red color hints at the rich cherry flavors inside. It’s tart, slightly sweet, and finishes dry with a hint of almond.
As it warms, earthy notes from wild fermentation emerge. The balance between fresh fruit and aged funk makes it a standout. Brouwerij is a classic Kriek that showcases the beauty of traditional lambic brewing.
10. Allagash Coolship Resurgam
ABV: 6.3%
Allagash’s Coolship series pays homage to traditional spontaneous fermentation. Resurgam is a blend of aged wild ales, developing layers of funk and tartness. Citrus and oak lead the way, with subtle herbal notes underneath.
The extended aging process gives it a dry, champagne-like finish. A touch of honeyed malt rounds out its sharp edges. Allagash Coolship is an American take on the Belgian gueuze style, with impressive depth.
11. Tilquin Oude Gueuze
ABV: 7%
Tilquin Oude Gueuze is a blend of lambics aged for up to three years. The result is a crisp, tart beer with notes of lemon, oak, and barnyard funk. It pours golden with lively carbonation.
As it develops, subtle spice and mineral flavors emerge. The sharp acidity mellows into a balanced, refreshing experience. It’s a great example of traditional gueuze with a modern twist.
12. New Belgium La Folie
ABV: 7%
La Folie is a foeder-aged sour brown ale with deep, complex flavors. It has a mix of tart cherries, caramelized malt, and oak. Its acidity is bold, but the malty sweetness keeps it balanced.
The aging process adds layers of vanilla and dark fruit. Each sip evolves to reveal new nuances. The beer is a perfect introduction to barrel-aged American sours.
13. The Bruery Tart of Darkness
ABV: 7%
Tart of Darkness is a rare example of a sour stout, blending roasted malt with bright acidity. The tartness cuts through the deep chocolate and coffee notes. It’s smooth yet packed with bold flavors.
Aging in oak barrels adds vanilla and soft tannins. The contrast between dark malts and sourness makes it intriguing. This beer challenges expectations and delivers something truly unique.
14. Funk Factory Geuzeria Méthode Traditionnelle
ABV: 6%
This Wisconsin-based brewery follows traditional lambic brewing methods. The beer develops a complex balance of citrus, funk, and oak. It’s a rare American gueuze with old-world character.
Each sip is lively and layered, with hints of green apple and wildflowers. The spontaneous fermentation adds depth without overpowering acidity. Funk Factory proves that great gueuze can come from anywhere.
How to Choose the Right Sour Beer for You
Sour beers range from lightly tart to intensely funky. This makes it important to find one that suits your taste. Consider these factors when choosing the right one:
- Tartness Level – Some sours are mildly tangy, while others are intensely sharp. Start with a gentle Berliner Weisse if you’re new.
- Fruit vs. Funk – Fruity sours offer bright flavors, while funky ones have earthy, barnyard-like notes. Decide which style fits your preference.
- Alcohol Content – Some sours are light and refreshing, while others are stronger and more complex. Check the ABV to match your preference.
- Barrel-Aged or Fresh – Aged sours develop deep flavors, while fresh ones taste crisp and bright. Choose based on the experience you want.
- Carbonation Level – Some sours are highly effervescent like champagne, while others have a softer mouthfeel. Bubbly sours feel lighter and more refreshing.
- Regional Styles – Belgian lambics are funky and complex, while American sours often lean fruity. Knowing the region helps you pick wisely.
- Pairing Potential – Some sours go well with cheese and seafood, while others suit desserts. Think about what you’ll enjoy alongside it.
Best Food Pairings for Sour Beers
Sour beers have bold flavors that pair well with a variety of foods. The right match can enhance both the beer and the dish.
- Soft Cheeses – Creamy brie or goat cheese balances the beer’s acidity. The contrast makes each bite richer and more satisfying.
- Grilled Seafood – Tartness cuts through the richness of salmon or shrimp. The bright flavors bring out the natural sweetness of the seafood.
- Spicy Dishes – The sharpness of sours cools the heat in spicy tacos or Thai curry. It creates a refreshing contrast.
- Cured Meats – Salty prosciutto or spicy chorizo complement the beer’s tang. The pairing enhances the depth of both flavors.
- Fresh Fruits – Berries, citrus, or stone fruits highlight the beer’s natural fruitiness. Their sweetness balances the beer’s tart bite.
- Dark Chocolate – The bitterness of chocolate contrasts beautifully with a sour beer’s acidity. This pairing brings out hidden fruity notes.
- Savory Pastries – Buttery quiches or flaky croissants contrast with the beer’s sharpness. The combination feels indulgent and well-balanced.
Where to Buy Sour Beers Near Me
Finding sour beers near you is easier than ever. Many retailers and specialty shops carry a wide selection for every taste.
- Local Craft Breweries – Many breweries make their own sours with unique twists. Visiting lets you try fresh options straight from the source.
- Specialty Bottle Shops – These stores focus on craft beer and often have rare sours. Staff recommendations can help you discover hidden gems.
- Online Retailers – Websites ship sours directly to your door. They offer a wide selection, including limited releases you won’t find locally.
- Liquor Stores – Larger liquor stores often carry a craft beer section. Check their inventory for rotating seasonal and small-batch sours.
- Bars and Taprooms – Many craft beer bars have sour beers on tap. Ask bartenders for recommendations based on your preferences.
- Farmers’ Markets – Some markets feature local brewers selling small-batch sours. This is a great way to support independent breweries.
- Beer Subscription Services – Monthly beer clubs send curated selections, including sours. This is a convenient way to explore different styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Sour Beers Gluten Free?
Most sour beers are not gluten-free since they are brewed with barley, wheat, or rye. These grains contain gluten, which remains in the final product. Some breweries make gluten-reduced or gluten-free sour beers using alternative grains. Always check labels or ask the brewery if you need a gluten-free option.
How Long Do Sour Beers Last?
Sour beers can last for years if stored properly, thanks to their acidic nature and wild yeast strains. Keep them in a cool, dark place, ideally between 50-55°F, and store bottles upright. While some sours improve with age, others are best enjoyed fresh for their vibrant flavors. Check the brewery’s recommendation for optimal enjoyment.
Can You Mix Sour Beer With Other Beers?
Yes, you can mix sour beer with other beers. Many people blend it with stouts, IPAs, or wheat beers to create unique flavors. The tartness can add depth, balance bitterness, or lighten a heavy brew. Experimenting with different combinations can lead to some surprisingly good results.
Conclusion
Sour beers offer a bold and refreshing twist for any beer lover. From fruity goses to complex lambics, each sip brings a new experience. Whether you enjoy sharp tartness or a balanced sweet-sour mix, there’s a perfect option. Grab a bottle, pour a glass, and enjoy the adventure of sour beer.