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About Sour Ale

About Sour Ale
Sour Ales encompass the wide variety of intentionally soured ales that have recently become quite popular, but don’t fit neatly into traditional classifications. They are tart tasting beers that have been inoculated with either Lactobacillus, Brettanomyces, and Pediococcus strains of bacteria or have been affected by wild yeast strains via spontaneous fermentation, or by the addition of fruits containing wild strains on their skins.

Top Picks for Sour Ale

SweetWater Brewing Co. Through the Brambles Sour Ale
94 points
SweetWater Brewing Co.
Through the Brambles Sour Ale
Clear copper color. Medicinal aromas of cherries, red wine barrel, citrus, and vinegar with a soft, tart, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a graceful, interesting, medium-length cherry syrup, pie crust, and oak finish. A Kriek-like sour beer with dense cherry and jam notes.
94 points
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Deschutes Brewery Pear and Bergamot Sour
93 points
Deschutes Brewery
Pear and Bergamot Sour
Minutely hazy yellow color. Attractive aromas and flavors of peach and pear nectar, floral honey, lemon-lime bars, and kumquat with a supple, tart, effervescent, sourish medium body and a smooth, interesting, long finish conveying touches of lemon-orange-pear relish, buttered zucchini raisin toast, marinated artichoke, and apricot vinaigrette on watercress finish. A flavorful and refreshing "brunch" sour with adroit balance and an easy, approachable style.
93 points
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Sweetwater Brewing Co. The Pit & the Pendulum Barrel-aged Sour Ale
92 points
Sweetwater Brewing Co.
The Pit & the Pendulum Barrel-aged Sour Ale
Hazy sunburst color. Aromas of dried sour cherries, barnyard earth and haystack, reduced citrus, and peppered cinnamon toast with a tart, effervescent, sour medium body and an effortless, appealing, medium-long cherry vinegar, pickled cucumber relish, and nuts finish. A delicious and stimulating cherry sour ale that wakes the palate.
92 points
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Vancouver Island Brewing Mystic Ile Sauvage Brewing Collab Dry-Hopped Sour Ale
90 points
Vancouver Island Brewing
Mystic Ile Sauvage Brewing Collab Dry-Hopped Sour Ale
Light gold in color, with bright aromas of cucumber, pineapple shrub, lychee, nettle, and mango. On the palate, lively acidity brings young peach, grape skin, kiwi, and passionfruit nectar flavors into a crisp and light, medium-length finish. Perfectly tart and sessionable, super refreshing…open one up for your dearest pet-nat fan!
90 points
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All Rise Brewing Co. Reign in Blood Sour Ale
90 points
All Rise Brewing Co.
Reign in Blood Sour Ale
Cloudy golden amber color. Herbal, floral aromas and flavors of fresh rosemary, geraniums, raspberry leaf, and raspberry sorbet with a tannic, tangy, spritzy, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, medium-length finish that presents nuances of fruity breakfast cereals, raspberry Danish, white bread crust, and wheat germ finish. A backyard BBQ crusher for beer drinkers and non beer drinkers alike.
90 points
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Pearl Street Brewery Raspberry Tambois Sour Belgian-Style Ale
90 points
Pearl Street Brewery
Raspberry Tambois Sour Belgian-Style Ale
Brilliant ruby color. Fresh, fruity aromas and flavors of fresh crushed raspberries, honeyed toasted cranberry nut bread, and marinated beets with a supple, racy, effervescent, sweet-and-sour medium-to-full body and a tingling, complex, long finish with nuances of apple cider vinaigrette on endive pear salad, toasted raspberry oat scone, and pickled citrus and melon rind finish. A zesty and refreshing raspberry sour ale with fine poise and purity.
90 points
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Date Tasted:
Call to Arms Brewing Company Majestic Wolf Lamp Oak-Aged Blended Belgian-Style Sour
89 points
Call to Arms Brewing Company
Majestic Wolf Lamp Oak-Aged Blended Belgian-Style Sour
Clear dark bronze color. Aromas of cola nut, plum, black cherry, and malted chocolate with a supple, vibrant, effervescent, fruity sweet medium body and a medium-to-long cherry compote, maple syrup, and toasted walnuts finish. A big complex sour ale for a long Winter night.
89 points
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Date Tasted:
Lift Bridge Beer Company Jibe Talkin Apricot Sour Ale
89 points
Lift Bridge Beer Company
Jibe Talkin Apricot Sour Ale
Minutely hazy old gold color. Fruity, funky aromas of apricot nectar, pears in syrup, peach tea, and nectarine with a rough, crisp, fizzy, light body and a seamless, odd, medium-length tomato leaf, apricot, and toast finish. A beer with inviting stone fruit flavor and table-friendly style.
89 points
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Vancouver Island Brewing Rainshadow Twin City Brewing Collab Sour Ale
88 points
Vancouver Island Brewing
Rainshadow Twin City Brewing Collab Sour Ale
Sunburst in color, with vibrant aromas of wild raspberry, cranberry, strawberry tops, and toast. On the palate, crisp acidity brings cherry coulis, berry layer bar, watermelon, and rose petal flavors into a smooth, medium-to-long finish. A vivacious and pure sour ale that’s expressive and nuanced.
88 points
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Veza Sur Brewing Co. Lulo Sour Ale
85 points
Veza Sur Brewing Co.
Lulo Sour Ale
Brilliant pale yellow color. Fruity, citrusy aromas and flavors of lemon yogurt, candied lemon, sourdough, and Lemonheads candy with a soft, bright, spritzy, fruity sweet light body and a smooth, amusing, brief finish with overtones of pickled melon rind and lychee finish. A citrusy beer for the summer table.
85 points
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Date Tasted: