Sours: Help for Noobs

If you think Tilquin tastes like vomit try a De Cam Lambic

PS my Dad agrees about the vomit thing

 

Having tried many sour and not liked any of them enough to want another and disliked most of them. I feel that I have schooled myself enough to know I don't like sours and don't feel any less of a BA because of it.

 

I don't think this thread is about telling people they are less of a BA if they don't like sours; it's about helping someone who wants to get into the style, find things they like. I do have to say I'm amused by the fact that there have been so many directly conflicting suggestions "try xyz, it'll be perfect" followed by "xyz is the worst, you should skip it"; just goes to show you how varied people's tastes are.

 

Ok a sour should be passionately fruity. Headdy with it and then have enough actual sour to approach vinegar like taste but stop short. It should pucker you as if you are about to kiss. It should create tension on the palate with a lively and bold acidity and an almost mysterious underlying fruit sweetness. And finally it should make you want more when you drink it. It should not be a concerted effort to enjoy it. (imo of course)

 

It's too early in the morning for you to make me this thirsty. Only point I disagree on is that I don't think sours have any requirement of fruit involvement; I love fruit sours, but I also love sours with nothing fruity within a hundred miles.

 

It took me a bit to warm up to Sours... Reminded me too much of wine coolers from the late 80's or a Zima. However, the dryer Sours are what hooked me, in particular Wicked Weeds Grand Cru, followed by WW's Serenity. For me it was finding that one, to open the door on all the others. Even though I really dislike IPA's, I really do, I keep trying them, thinking I might have that same, "one", effect as above.

I really like Sours now, so here's to keep on keeping on! Cheers!

 

Supplication from Russian River is one of the best sour beers Ive had. Gose from Westbrook Brewing Company is great as well.

 

Sounds like you prefer the fruitier side of sours.

I'd say that Cascade would be a good option (Apricot, Kriek, Sang Noir, etc...), also O'dell's Friek is great, Crooked Stave makes some brett'ed saisons, Geuze Giardin is a nice geuze as well as most of what Drie Fontinen does. DeRanke makes some awesome sours as well. There are many more, but it's early and I have to work.

 

Almanac makes a Golden Gate Gose, I don't know if it is year round though.

 

You lost me already. Not sure what you mean by 'skip right away' but this is a solid beer. http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/223/50772/
Just seems weird to tell someone to skip something that most people like just because you don't.

 

Not sure if this was said or not, I only glanced at responses, but you seem to dislike the quintessential beers for the Gueuze and Flanders styles, and the ones you listed are in the fruiter side, IMO. Start with Krieks. Hanssens is one of my favorite that is easy to get.

 

I have to scratch my head whenever I see someone list Alchemist Petit Mutant as a sour.
there is absolutely nothing sour, tart or even funky about that brew. just lots of cherries.

to OP, if you don't like Tilquin then you will not like non-fruited Cantillon or Drei Fontenein either

 

You're in California. Russian River's in California. Hmm.

 

JP's Oro De Calabaza got me into the style

 

sour style venn diagram anyone?

 

I remember someone attempting to a while back but there was so much overlap on so many of the types of sours/wilds I think he gave up

 

Sounds about right

 

I would recommend trying to obtain some of the Jester King wild ales, especially the fruited ones (Atrial Rubicite, Nocturn Chrysalis, Montmorency vs. Balaton, etc.) It will take some effort, but it will be very worth it.

 

This was my very first sour. It's pretty good. http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/48/10482/

 

I wish it was that easy...