Sours: Help for Noobs

It is not difficult to discern the most popular styles on BA. However, the popular "style" I struggle with the most is sours. I have only had two sours thus far (Sour in the Rye and Le Terroir) and both were so overpoweringly sour that I could not appreciate them.

Because beer itself is an acquired taste, and my favorite styles (IPAs and stouts) took a lot of getting used to (I hated them both at first, particularly IPAs), I am far from ready to give up on sours. However, I need suggestions for "beginner/gateway sours" that are low in sourness, palatable to a newbie in the style, high quality, and somewhat representative of the "style". I'm thinking something like a DFH 90 Minute of sours. Any suggestions?

 

I would recommend Duchess de Bourgogne. Not only is it one of my favorite beers, but it is a very good example of the Flanders style, which I think is the best "gateway" sour style.

 

I'd mention Rodenbach Grand Cru as an entry level sour. Some will also mention Lindemans Gueuze Cuvée Rene as well. Sours/wilds/lambics are fantastic but can take some time getting used to them.

 

1. Use bottle opener
2. Pour into glass
3. Drink

No long problem with sours.

But seriously. Look for anything that says tart saison - might be less abrasive.

 

Tart Saisons as mentioned.

I also recommend hoppy sours like Eternal Sunshine, great start.

 

Cuvee des Jacobins Rouge is my favorite Flanders Red Ale, you might want to start there. I like it better than Duchesse or Rodenbach.

 

Rodenbach Grand Cru and New Belgium La Folie.

 

Most of the traditional sours from Belgium shouldn't bee too sour.

 

The tart Saison has become popular as of late so that's a good choice. I also believe if possible to get Supplication is a great sour to begin with. I think the Flanders are great but don't represent sours in the truest sense in my opinion. To me a supplication, an hour, and a nice Russian River wine glass is the best hour of recognizable drinking of a beer that I have on a regular basis. And the price is reasonable.