Taking the Beer World by Storm
In recent years, sour beers have been taking the beer world by storm, with more and more breweries adding these tart and funky beers to their lineups. But what exactly are sour beers, and why have they become so popular?
Bold Flavours
Sour beers are a broad category of beers that are characterised by their tart, acidic flavours. These beers can range from mildly tart to intensely sour, and may have other flavours and aromas such as fruit, funk, and oak. Sour beers are typically brewed using wild yeasts and bacteria, such as lactobacillus and pediococcus, which produce lactic acid and other acids during the fermentation process.
One of the main appeals of sour beers is their complexity of flavours. Unlike traditional beers, which are typically dominated by hop bitterness and malt sweetness, sour beers offer a wide range of tart, fruity, funky, and even savoury flavours. These flavours can be particularly refreshing in the summer months, when drinkers are looking for something lighter and more refreshing than heavier, malt-forward beers.
Another appeal of sour beers is their versatility. Sour beers can pair well with a wide range of foods, particularly those that are salty or fatty. They can also be used in cooking, particularly in marinades, dressings, and sauces.
Sour beers can be made using a variety of techniques, including kettle souring, barrel aging, and spontaneous fermentation. Kettle souring involves adding lactobacillus to the wort before boiling, which produces lactic acid and creates a sour flavour. Barrel aging involves aging the beer in oak barrels, which can add complex flavours and aromas. Spontaneous fermentation involves exposing the beer to wild yeast and bacteria in the air, which can produce a wide range of complex flavours and aromas.
One example of a brewery that is creating new and innovative sour beers is Jester King Brewery, located just outside of Austin, Texas. Jester King specialises in farmhouse ales and sour beers, and has gained a reputation for its experimental and unique approach to brewing. The brewery uses a variety of techniques, such as barrel aging and spontaneous fermentation, to create complex and flavourful sour beers. One of its signature beers is the Le Petit Prince, a tart and refreshing farmhouse table beer that is made with a mix of yeasts and bacteria. Jester King also produces a range of limited-release sour beers, such as the Omniscience & Proselytism, a blended sour beer that is aged in oak barrels with raspberries and blackberries. With its commitment to experimentation and creativity, Jester King is at the forefront of the sour beer trend, and is a must-visit for any beer lover in the Austin area.
In conclusion, the rise of sour beers is a reflection of the growing interest in complex and flavourful beers, particularly among younger drinkers. These tart and funky beers offer a refreshing alternative to traditional beers, and can be paired with a wide range of foods. With the continued growth of craft beer and experimentation, it’s likely that sour beers will continue to gain popularity in the years to come.
