Sour Beer Questions

I am not a chemist, generalities follow, one can add to or correct this.

PH measures the H+ ion concentration. Phosphoric acid gives H+ ions and phosphate, which is fairly flavor neutral, that is the acid in soft drinks. Lactic acid gives H+ and lactate, the lactate has flavor associated with sourness. Acetic acid gives H+ ion and acetate, acetate has a distinct sour taste and is not desirable in most styles of beer, even most sours (some acetic acid character is needed to make a Flanders red).

It is not the pH as that is just the measure of H+ ions, but how we perceive the base ions that are left behind. Some acids can be pleasant, like lactic, or unpleasant like Malic, or very off putting like Butyric acid.

There may be a rating scale somewhere for different acids and how we perceive them as humans. I will leave that for some else to find.

 

an oude bruin may do you well. they aren't always very sour.

 

Athena from creature comforts if you can find it or trade for some

 

While delicious and all around amazing.. I wouldn't equate a 4 pack of beer at $19+ as being "pretty cheap".

 

Among sours though

 

As mentioned before, try Jolly Pumpkin, not bad, over-carbonated sometimes. Russian River has some very tasty brews. Lost Abbey makes some pretty good brews, as well.

Cheers!

 

Have to mention this brewery as well. I've had my 2nd from this brewery (right now), pretty tasty, with a different take on the style(s). Paradox - The Skully Barrel Series.

Cheers!

 

La Folie not on your list??

 

Its split into singles at my bottle shop for $4.50 each. One of the rare opportunities to buy a sour for less than $15 if you're just getting into the style and not sure if you'll like it

 

Do you know if Rare Barrel bottles can be found outside their facility anywhere in the bay area? If so, where?

 

Some bars/breweries will have sour taproom takeovers. Good opportunity to try a few new ones. I drink mostly Belgian lambics, which also range in intensity. I was at Cantillon last week, but they are quite sour. Cuvee Rene is probably a good option for quality/price in a not-overly-sour sour. I did get to Rare Barrel in Berkeley this past summer, and Home Sour Home was really good, but probably not available there. Since you are in Colorado, I'd start by scouring the local sours. Quick Google search found this:
http://nypost.com/2014/07/25/the-9-best-sour-beer-breweries-in-colorado/