Best Sour Ale & Best Fruit Beer Reviews

Dusty mahogany color. Savory, sour aromas of reduced lemon with balsamic, sour cherry kefir, and lettuce greens with pickled veggies and vinaigrette with a satiny, vibrant, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, compelling, medium-long sourdough cherry toast with lemon-kiwi marmalade, marinated artichokes, nuts, and brandy barrels finish. A complex, delicious and flavor pack sour fruit beer that will rule at the table.

Brilliant light garnet red oak color. Fruity aromas of candied and dried cherries, honeyed fruit cake, and pleasant cherry cough drop with a satiny, tangy, finely carbonated, off-dry medium body and a tingling, distinctive, long sourdough with cherry chutney, lemon verbena, mesclun with cherry vinaigrette, and almond cookie finish. A rich and commanding kriek that pours forth with an army of cherry flavors and nuances.

Minutely hazy dull gold color. Woody, floral, complex aromas and flavors of pine blossom, singed orange peel, toasty herb peppercorn muffin, and lavender and verbena with a satiny, tangy, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a graceful, distinctive, long finish displaying notes of orange spice cake, citrus juice and granita, pretzel bread pudding, and hints of coriander and cardamom finish. A great gulpable gose brimming with attractive citrus and herbal flavors within fine salty frame.

Murky light gold color. Fruity aromas of fresh crushed peaches and nut bread with a supple, tangy, effervescent, sweet-and-sour full body and a seamless, medium-long nectarine vinaigrette on romaine with croutons and Meyer lemon finish. A brilliant, tart and tangy wild ale with very pure peach flavor.

Dull hazy yellow straw color. Citrusy aromas of lemon curd on raisin toast, limeade, and hint of thyme and lavender with a supple, effervescent, sweet-and-sour medium body and a compelling, medium-long warm buttered baguette, lime Italian ice, and parsnip and arugula finish. A classically structured gose with a fun infusion on lemon, lime, and perhaps an herb and spice or two.

Hazy sedimentary golden yellow color. Attractive aromas and flavors of honeyed peach skin and flesh, creamy hawaiian bread pudding, and panettone with a satiny, tangy, effervescent, sweet-and-sour medium-to-full body and a seamless, captivating, medium-long finish that shows notes of apple-kiwi relish, honeyed white grapefruit, wheat wafer, and edible flowers finish. A delicious and pure peachy Belgian ale that will be great a s summer sipper or at the table.

Medium brown color. Roasted, sourish aromas and flavors of coffee, chocolate yogurt, and sourdough dark rye toast with a satiny, tart, effervescent, sourish medium body and a tingling, intricate, medium-long finish with accents of melon and sprouts, kiwi vinaigrette, and chicory finish. A unique dark and roasty take of the Berliner Weiss style that really works and is quite approachable.

Nearly opaque dull sunburst color. Aromas and flavors of strawberry fruit leather, oily roasted nuts, fruit custard tart, and hint of banana taffy and silly putty with a round, vibrant, finely carbonated, off-dry medium body and a smooth, complex, medium-long finish with notes of berry tart, orange blossom honey, and hint of peppered arugula finish. A rich and flavorful fruit lambic with a super approachable and satisfying style.

Murky light gold color. Citrusy, floral aromas and flavors of fresh squeezed lime, delicate spice and herbal tea, and lavender with a creamy, finely carbonated, sourish medium-to-full body and a silky, complex, long finish displaying accents of fine sea salt brine, artisan citrus sports drink, and radish spouts and pea tendrils finish. A superb, creamy, lightly sour, skillful crafted gose with a great salty lime flavor and indulgently luxurious texture’ will appeal to shandy fans looking for something more serious.

Pale minutely hazy ruby copper color. Sourish aromas and flavors of raspberry butter on sourdough and raspberry-lemon vinaigrette on mesclun with a satiny, tart, effervescent, sour medium-full body and a tingling, distinctive, long finish conveying touches of buttered toasted baguette, pickled red berries, mixed peppercorns, and smoked nuts finish. A great marriage of sour ale and fresh tart raspberries that whets the appetite.

Brilliant ruby oak color. Sour, earthy aromas and flavors of raw macerated berries, pickled root vegetables, lacquered wood, and bark and grape leaves with a slightly chewy, tangy, finely carbonated, sour medium-to-full body and a tingling, subtle, long finish revealing accents of rye toast grilled with cumin oil, smoked nuts and chocolate, and peppered artichoke salad finish. A serious, contemplative lambic with deep savory flavors and a bright rosy future in the cellar.

Ruby color. Interesting aromas of peppercorns, cedar pencil shavings, and cocoa with a supple, racy, finely carbonated, sourish medium-to-full body and a tingling, layered, long kumquat, cranberry vinaigrette, marinated hearts of palm, and fireplace ash finish. An interesting mash-up of bright sour and toasty wood and earth notes will make this a fun beer for the table.

Brilliant light ruby oak color. Fruity aromas and flavors of sweet blackberry and strawberry jam on raisin toast and honeyed cherries and strawberries with a supple, tart, effervescent, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, complex, long finish with impressions of craisin-beet relish, buttered buttermilk biscuit, and arugula with raspberry vinaigrette finish. A fantastically appetizing flavor ride from sweet to sour and savory makes this a must-try Berliner Weisse’ especially for Beaujolais Nouveau fans.

Clear sunburst color. Aromas and flavors of honeyed toast and spiced fruits with a supple, vibrant, effervescent, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, breezy finish that presents notes of lemon poppyseed muffin and sour cherry relish finish. A very tasty and approachable intro lambic that will be great on it’s own or with food.

Minutely hazy old gold color. Aromas and flavors of grapefruit sorbet, lemon scone, and white grape with a satiny, lively, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, appealing, long finish evoking overtones of peppered greens, grapefruit peel, and peppercorn muffin finish. A great, invigorating grapefruit IPA that is sure to please.

Clear light gold color. Attractive aromas and flavors of pickled melon rind, lemon herb scone, and dandelion and greens with a supple, lively, effervescent, sourish medium-to-full body and a smooth, complex, long finish with accents of sourdough and pretzel bread toast, salted limes and celery, and malt vinegar kettle chips finish. A toothsome, salty sour berry with great balance and nice nuances of flavor.

Bright sunburst color. Aromas and flavors of honeyed cherry compote, pencil shavings, sweet pickle relish, and bbq wood smoke with a round, tart, frothy, sourish medium-to-full body and a tingling, stimulating, medium-long finish with notes of sour apple and quince, lime vinaigrette on greens, and nuts finish. A playfully smoky and sour wood accented ale that will be versatile.

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.

Dull bronze color. Aromas of white balsamic vinaigrette on lettuces with sourdough croutons and dried apple with a supple, lively, effervescent, sweet-and-sour medium-to-full body and a tingling, delightful, medium-length honeyed mulberries and quince and starfruit finish. A mellow sour ale with a very traditional style and effortless drinkability.

Brilliant light ruby ruby color. Aromas and flavors of raspberry phosphate, toasted sourdough with berry preserves, and cocoa powder dusted cream puff with a supple, crisp, effervescent, sweet-and-sour medium-to-full body and a smooth, engaging, medium-long finish that presents shades of spiced berries and apples, candied lemon peel, and honey finish. A fun, framboise with a nice balance of sweet and light sourness.

Sedimentary brick red color. Attractive aromas of honeyed toasted graham crackers, cherry butter on cinnamon nut bread, granola and s’mores, and fine charcoal with a lightly tannic, puckering, petillant, sour medium-to-full body and a tingling, nuanced, long lemon zest with goose, white balsamic vinaigrette on endive, fancy pickle juice, and nutskin finish. A bracingly sour and epically proportioned old lambic.

Minutely hazy gold color. Aromas of orange zest, frosted orange cake, and pine sap and resin with a supple, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, interesting, very long bitter orange, rapini, rye toast, and pepper finish. A juicy and astringent IPA with a nice hint of bitter orange.

Clear deep amber color. Aromas and flavors of grapefruit marmalade on toast and sweet potato chips with a supple, vibrant, finely carbonated, dryish medium body and a tingling, interesting, medium-long finish with suggestions of pine, peppered greens, and grapefruit zest and juice finish. A solid, even, malty grapefruit IPA that will cover a lot of bases.

Light emerald straw color. Aromas and flavors of honey buttered toast, lemon and kiwi relish, and jicama with a supple, tangy, effervescent, dryish light-to-medium body and a silky, amusing, buoyant finish with nuances of lime spritzed radish and fresh baguette finish. A well balanced, super approachable gose that bridges the sour gap for lager drinkers.

Dusty coral orange color. Candied aromas of strawberry juice, lemon sorbet, and peach-orange tea with a supple, effervescent, fruity sweet medium-to-full body and a smooth, delightful, medium-length strawberry pop tarts and frankenberry cereal, watermelon candies, and cream soda finish. A nostalgic flavor stroll down the childhood breakfast and candy aisles.

Steely sunburst amber color. Aromas and flavors of berry soda, lemonade, and lemon candy with a supple, vibrant, effervescent, fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, medium-length finish that presents notes of lemon soda and sherbet, honeyed fruitcake, and mango with lemon verbena finish. A super fruity, easy drinking summer sipper; try as cocktail with gin.

Brilliant red oak color. Floral aromas and flavors of berry scone, raw blueberry juice, and marigold with a supple, bright, effervescent, fruity medium body and an even, carefree finish imparting accents of mixed berry sorbet, buttery shortbread cookie, raw apple cider, and waxy honeycomb finish. A nice fruity berry quaffer for picnics and beach coolers.

Clear mahogany color. Savory aromas and flavors of waxy fruit, pickled berries, rubber sap and leaf, and hint of varnished wood with a supple, tart, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a polished, interesting, medium-length finish with notes of endive salad with cherry vinaigrette and buttered brioche finish. An interesting sweet and sour mash up that will work nicely at the table.

Gold color. Interesting aromas and flavors of fresh cracked green peppercorns, yuzu peel, lime and curry leaves, and thyme and rosemary bread with a supple, crisp, finely carbonated, dryish medium body and a warming, stimulating, medium-long finish with nuances of exotic tropical fruits, grassy herbs, dried flowers, and radish finish. A clever, very dry take of a tropical-accented beer that will be fun to pair with Asian fusion dishes.

Hazy golden yellow color. Aromas and flavors of fresh sliced grapefruit and rising pizza crust with lemon zest with a supple, lively, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity medium body and an effortless, medium-length finish with notes of nut toast, grapefruit yogurt, and cucumber with salt finish. A tasty, well balanced grapefruit flavored gose.

Pale burnt sienna color. Aromas and flavors of chocolate raspberry milkshake with a supple, bright, finely carbonated, fruity medium body and a seamless, buoyant finish manifesting accents of spiced cherries, hot cocoa with pretzel bread toast, and candied lemon rind finish. A smooth and easy, chocolate raspberry treat.

Minutely hazy red oak color. Perfumed aromas and flavors of candied lavender and lemon zest, herbs de provence, and floral triple milled soap with a slightly chewy, tart, effervescent, sourish medium body and a sleek, long finish revealing impressions of cucumber mozzarella sandwich on sourdough toast, pickled pomegranate, menthol rub, and eucalyptus flower water finish. A bold, in-your-face floral gose.

Ruby color. Attractive, tropical, herbal aromas and flavors of fresh tropical fruit salad, endive and artichoke salad, and delicate chives and herbs with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, compelling, medium-length finish imparting shades of pizza crust with lemon zest, radish and citrus relish, and root vegetables and bitter greens finish. A nice snappy, lightly tropical fruit flavored beer.

Neon siam sienna color. Attractive, sweet aromas of maraschino cherries, marzipan cookies, and pralines and macaroon with a velvety, vibrant, finely carbonated, fruity sweet medium body and an interesting, medium-long grenadine, MacDonald’s cherry pie, and mineral water finish. A startlingly bright and tasty cherry beer that will satisfy sweet indulgences.

Mahogany color. Vegetal, sourish aromas and flavors of roasted brussels sprouts with berries and lardons, spinach salad, and sourdough toast points with a supple, tart, effervescent, sour medium body and a tingling, odd, medium-length finish evoking notes of spiced sour apples, cranberry kefir, artichoke and watercress, and nettles finish. Too many off vegetal notes and excessive bitterness on the finish holds this sour ale back.

Gold color. Confected aromas of vanilla shortbread sundae with extra maraschino cherries and cherry tart with a satiny, bright, finely carbonated, fruity light-to-medium body and a breezy amaretto gelato, anisette cookie, jicama, and wheat wafer finish. A pleasant cherry ale quaffer.

Minutely hazy sunburst color. Aromas of lemon cream scented candle, berry scone, and oatmeal with orange zest with a supple, sweet-and-sour medium body and a smooth, breezy rye cracker, citrus and cucumber water, and raspberry-kiwi tart finish. A snappy, crowd-pleasing gose with pleasant fruitiness.

Gold color. Buttery, fruity aromas of melted butter on white bread, dried stone fruits and oranges, and wild flowers with a glycerous, bright, fizzy, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a polished, cheery saltine, starfruit, caramel corn, and radish finish. An ok quaffer, but too buttery and not sour enough for the style; this is more of a cream ale.

Dull gold color. Vegetal, savory aromas and flavors of zucchini, roasted corn and husk, peach pit, and wax with a supple, crisp, effervescent, bone-dry medium body and a brisk finish that shows notes of sourdough toast points, cauliflower, asparagus and turnip, and radish sprouts finish. A mild, rather vegetal brew for the table; try with roasted vegetables and cheese.