Sours...I'm Hooked.

Where would a curious sour virgin start his endeavor for a refined palate? Anything mild, and easy to find so I can test the waters???

 

I've only had a few sours but I've really liked them and would like to see more around.

 

I have been told that the Duchesse is a great way to test the waters.

 

Duchesse is artificially sweetened and nearly undrinkable. But that's just my take.

 

Well that's just, like, your opinion man.

 

I'm a bit of a sour newbie myself, looking to get into the fold. I'm still coming to grasps with what an actual sour beer is, but a shop by me recently picked up some bottles of Jolly Pumpkin's Bière De Mars. It's not categorized as a sour on this site, but a lot of people have characterized it as having a sourness to it. Is this a sour beer, or is "Sour Beer" it's own category, like Stouts or IPAs?

 

I've never had a sour before, but last week I stumbled upon a 375ml Cantillon Kriek and picked it up, should i hold onto it for a bit to try more noob friendly sours and get accustomed to it first, or just go for it?

 

I found Monk's Cafe to be a good intro. Not too sour not too funky but it is very good and accessible. Slippery slope follows.

 

Went to the local liquor store tonight on a Stone IRS hunt (came up empty handed), and ended up picking up a bottle of Oude Geuze Boon. As I was walking toward the checkout counter, the owner said to me "you like sours?" and I told him I was just getting into the style. He recommended me a bottle of Cuvee Des Jacobins Rouge, and I am glad he did. Drinking it right now and it is phenomenal!!

 

Recommend Framboise de Amarosa - excellent.

 

Cascade. End of story.

 

Earthmonk. Can't believe that hasn't been mentioned yet.

 

You'll pay for your crimes against humanity.

 

Today was my last attempt at sours and they're just not for me. I could not finish the bottle. I really wanted to like them with all of the great selection that is popping up. Oh well. More for you guys. Cheers!

 

The Duchesse really is one of the most divisive beers out there. I think it tastes like a ketchup and vinegar abortion, but that's just me.

Rodenbach Grand Cru is a good starting point. La Folie if you want something more tart. Russian River Supplication is my favorite that I've had so far.

 

Sorry if this is off topic, but how do i tell how old my rodenbach grand cru is?

 

3 years before the date on the bottom of the bottle if I remember correctly.

 

I'll chime in. Those looking for something well balanced, pretty mild, and not too sweet... check out Rodenbach Grand Cru or most of the Jolly Pumpkin selections. Those looking for something very acidic and tart, go with the acetobacter bomb Mother Funker. Looking for something a little more sweet? Go with some of the Lindeman's stuff. Looking for some of the most amazing experiences ever? Go with Cantillon or Drie Fonteinen gueuzes or fruit lambics.