Beer Theory 101: Sour Beers
Sour beers are a fascinating style of beer known for its tangy and acidic taste. It stands apart from what we think of as “traditional” beer styles due to its unique fermentation process and spectrum of flavors.
Fermentation Process
Sour beer undergoes a distinct fermentation process that involves the introduction of wild yeasts and bacteria. This process typically takes place in oak barrels or stainless steel tanks, allowing these microorganisms to work their magic over an extended period. The primary microorganisms responsible for souring the beer include Brettanomyces, Lactobacillus, and Pediococcus.
Flavor Profiles
Sour beers exhibit a wide spectrum of flavors, ranging from subtly tart to intensely acidic. Some common flavor profiles include citrusy, funky, fruity, and vinous. The level of sourness can vary, with some beers offering a refreshing tartness, while others provide an intense pucker factor. Sour beers often possess complex and nuanced flavors that evolve over time.
Popular Types of Sour Beer
Lambic: Originating from Belgium, Lambic is spontaneously fermented with wild yeast and bacteria. It has a dry, vinous character with a noticeable tartness. Variants such as Gueuze and Kriek (fermented with cherries) are popular within the Lambic family.
Berliner Weisse: Hailing from Germany, Berliner Weisse is a low-alcohol wheat beer known for its sharp, lactic acidity. It is often served with a fruity syrup for added sweetness.
Flanders Red Ale: This Belgian style undergoes mixed fermentation and extended aging, resulting in a complex blend of fruity, malty, and acidic flavors. It exhibits a moderate to high level of sourness.
American Wild Ale: A product of American craft breweries, American Wild Ales showcase a broad range of flavors due to the creative use of different yeast and bacteria strains. These beers often feature funky, fruity, and sour characteristics.
North Carolina's craft beer scene has embraced the sour beer trend with enthusiasm, offering a wide range of exceptional brews that cater to sour beer enthusiasts. Several breweries in the state have made a name for themselves by producing outstanding sour beers. One notable brewery is Burial Beer Co., located in Asheville, known for their innovative and experimental approach to brewing sour beers. Another standout is Fonta Flora Brewery in Morganton, renowned for their barrel-aged sour ales using locally sourced ingredients. Other noteworthy breweries include Bond Brothers Beer Company in Cary and Haw River Farmhouse Ales in Saxapahaw.
Burial’s award-winning sour beer at the Great American Beer Festival
North Carolina's sour beer scene has earned recognition on the national stage as well, with multiple breweries winning awards in state and national competitions. For example, Burial received accolades for their sour beers at the Great American Beer Festival, solidifying their position as a top contender in the sour beer category.
Sours at BT
Sour Beers at Bottle Theory
Bottle Theory offers a variety of these fruity, sour beers. View our real-time inventory to see our current selections.
Sour beer offers an exciting departure from traditional beer styles, with its distinct fermentation process and wide array of flavors. So grab a glass, embrace the sourness, and embark on a flavorful journey!
References
Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine. "Introduction to Sour Beers." Retrieved from https://beerandbrewing.com/ (accessed on July 6, 2023).
Homebrewers Association. "Sour Ale Styles." Retrieved from https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/ (accessed on July 6, 2023).
Beer Advocate. "Sour Ale." Retrieved from https://www.beeradvocate.com/ (accessed on July 6, 2023).
About Bottle Theory
Bottle Theory is a bottle shop and taproom in Apex, NC, selling fine wine and craft beer. The bar also serves wine by the glass, rotating selection of draft beer and cider, coffee, and tea. Locally owned and operated by Pavel and Kelly Chtcheprov, Bottle Theory is pet-friendly and family-friendly, and hosts food trucks, trivia, and seasonal events. Whether you’re catching up with neighbors over a juicy IPA or picking up a bottle of wine for your dinner party, we strive to provide something special. Located on the Apex-Cary border in the Green Level Market, Bottle Theory has both indoor and outdoor seating, and is steps away from the Greenway. Visit www.ApexBottleTheory.com to learn more.