Sours for beginners; help me out.

If you haven't, definitely retry the Consecration! There's a lot in there!

 

I will definitely buy it next time it hits the shelves (or next time I'm at Russian River, which should be sometime next month.) I also have a bottle of temptation, 3F Gueze, and Cascade Apricot to continue my exploration of sours .

 

Cascade does some great introductory sour beers...I happen to be fortunate enough to be near them if you want to set up a trade at some point I think that the apricot is a pretty easy drink...it has been popular with my friends that haven't been really into sours. http://www.cascadebrewingbarrelhouse.com/ here is there link. Cheers!

 

I'd recommend Rodenbach Grand Cru and Petrus Aged Pale Ale.
Very drinkable, but decently strong sours. Also readily available in many markets.
IMO Rodenbach Grand Cru is the definition of a balanced sour.

 

First sour I had was regular Rodenbach, great introductory sour and has become even easier to find since I first tried it.

 

Thanks man. I've had the kriek, which was delicious! I know a few spots where I can grab Cascade, albeit way overpriced ($30 for their normal sours, $40 for Vlad .) I have not started trading yet, mostly because I am a grad student on a limited budget. But, when my situation changes, I will shoot you a line.

 

The first sours I had was Supplication and Temptation just two weeks ago. I particularly enjoyed Supplication, which wasn't really surprising. But I don't have a full appreciation for it, since I'm not too well understanding of the complexity. Yet.

 

Cuvee Des Jacobins Rouge, Duchesse, Rodenbach, Monk's Cafe, Goudenband. Those 5 are a good start.

My aha! sour was Cantillon Classic. That beer blew my mind away. Good luck finding one these days though.

 

Don't do it!!! It's going to cost you an arm and a leg!!!!

 

Can anyone tell me if tart of darnkess is available year round? Saw it on the shelf yesterday but didnt pull the trigger cuz it was $24, hoping ill have more time to go back and grab it?

 

The Mikkeller Spontanale series has many sours that might appeal to a beginner. Most are lambics so they'll be kind of sweet.

 

It's seasonal. Bottles seem to sit a little but because of the price, even at $18 here in the Bay Area. I had it on tap a few weeks ago, excellent stuff! I've had sour stouts from Lagunitas and Anderson Valley as well, and this one was by far the most sour, and one of the most sour beers I've ever had period.

 

this is a great example, i think this is a good way to introduce someone to sours especially if they're fond of stouts. i'd also recommend trying allagash midnight brett...it's not bottled but if you ever see it around on tap don't pass it up! it's delicious !

 

That was my first sour ever, had it on tap out in CA when I was there. SO sour, but I couldnt get enough of it. Finally located it on the east coast, so I might have to pull the trigger and pay the price for it

 

I'm sure someone has said it already but you should try Rodenbach Grand Cru. It's delicious and has just a wee little pucker to it.....

also, blah blah blah.....you don't have to like sours.....blah blah blah....

double also, you should give Pilsners a chance

 

get some cheese, apples, grapes and bread. Find 3 good old gueuze, enjoy. If you still hate them after that.
then you saved yourself allot of money. I save my drinking of real lambics to our trips to Belgium, its cheaper that way.

good advice above, one does not have to like all beer. I hate fruit beers with a passion. Pumpkin beer to me is the worse. to each his own.

 

How does that save you money? It would seem to limit your vacation destinations to me, plus, when you factor in airfare and hotel stays, those beers become VERY expensive!

Edit: Or, you just don't drink lambics that often. If you have the money for regular trips to Belgium, then why worry about the cost of lambics in the states?