Sour beers are a refreshing departure from the norm. They’re a testament to the brewer’s art, a dance between science and a bit of delicious chaos. But where do you even begin? Let's dive in!

What is a sour beer?

Sour beers are as the name suggests... sour. This comes from intentionally acidic or tart flavours from the use of wild yeast and bacteria in the brewing process. Unlike traditional beers that rely solely on brewer's yeast, sour beers embrace the likes of:

Lactobacillus: A bacteria that produces lactic acid, giving that sharp, yogurt-like tang.

Brettanomyces: Often called "Brett," this wild yeast contributes funky, earthy, and sometimes fruity notes.

Pediococcus: Another bacteria that creates lactic acid, but can also add buttery or diacetyl flavours (which, in excess, can be considered an off-flavour, but in careful amounts add complexity).

Historically, souring happened spontaneously, with wild yeasts and bacteria naturally present in the environment. Today, brewers use controlled techniques to achieve consistent and delicious results.

Popular sour beer styles

Berliner Weisse - A German wheat beer that is both light, refreshing and low in alcohol. A great entry point to sour beers.

Gose - Another German wheat beer style, with coriander and salt resulting in a unique blend of tart, salty and herbal flavours.

Lambic - A Belgian classic, spontaneously fermented and aged in oak barrels for complex, funky flavours with notes of fruit and earth.

Why Try Sour Beers?

Sour beers, such as our Currant Affairs, offer a unique and refreshing alternative to traditional beer styles. They're complex, flavourful, and perfect for those looking to expand their beer horizons. So, pucker up and dive into the wild world of sour beers – you might just discover your new favourite brew!