It’s time to get acquainted with an ancient style of beer that uses wild bacteria and yeast. If you’ve never had a sour beer before, it’s best compared to munching on your childhood favourite sour worm. Beer lovers appreciate the level of flavour and complexity of sour beers, while those who don’t enjoy the taste of beer, like the fact that sour beer tastes nothing like beer. In the end, you can’t go wrong with a sour beer.
So, what makes a sour beer sour? Well, bacterias play a big part, and it comes in two types. The first is lactobacillus, a bacteria that turns sugars into lactic acid—the same way yogurt tastes slightly sour. The second is pediococcus, often used in Belgian beers to add acidity. It can metabolize without oxygen, and over time can create diacetyl, a compound that has a buttery taste, which is why sour beers are complex and interesting.
You can get a few different types of sour beer. The most known is a Gose, which is a German sour made with coriander and sea salt, The other types include Lambic— a Belgian wheat beer, and American Wild Ale.
While the sour beer movement has been slower In Australia, we’re starting to see it take off, so here are 20 sour beers to try today.
Trust Moon Dog to create the craziest flavours with the longest title. This passionfruit sour ale is 7.5%ABV and has a sherbet kickback that’s sure to delight your tastebuds. Cost: Single- $12, 4 Pack- $44, 12 Pack-$120.
If you love any kind of tart of blackberry pie, then this sour beer is for you. Expect to taste juicy blackberries, toasty cinnamon, and apple and smooth vanilla all with a gentle tartness— as if you were munching on the dessert. Cost: 4 Pack- $22, 12 Pack- $60, 24 Pack- $110.
This sour Berline Weisse beer spends 12 weeks in chardonnay barrels before being blended. Expect a tart, spritz, refreshing beer for summer. Find a stockist here.
This Gose packs a sour punch and plays on a national treat— the iced vovo. Expect raspberry tartness with a load of coconut flavour and a hint of vanilla in a creamy body. Cost: 4 Pack- $24.
Think pink lemonade meets sour lolly. This sour beer from The Grifter Brewing Co. is fermented with fresh raspberries and blended with 100% Australian lemon juice. Cost: 24 pack- $85.
This sour beer takes us back to the summer days with a Sunny Boy. Munching on the refreshing treat can be compared to slurping down this vibrant sour beer. Cost: 4 Pack- $36, 24 Pack- $173.
The best way to describe this beer is to compare it to sipping on an aperitivo watching the Italian sun. Need we say more? Cost: 4 Pack- $22, 16 Pack-$60.
There’s a lot of berries in this one. Expect a hint of tartness rounded out with the addition of oats, and a big kick of berry flavour. Cost: 4 Pack-$18, 16 Pack- $60.
This refreshing beer is easy on the palate and is low in bitterness. It’s great for a summer BBQ or for enjoying when you want a little more than juice. Cost: 4 Pack-$20, 16 Pack-$62.
This low ABV sour beer is made with on-site strawberries. There is a sharp tartness to this beer, made in the Berline Weisse style. Cost: 24 Pack- $75.
If you’re thinking does this beer taste like a lemon cheesecake, you wouldn’t be wrong. This beer is full-bodied, smooth and creamy sour with notes of lemony biscuit, vanilla and a whisper of sweetness, that’s made with real cheesecake. Cost: Can-$11.99, 4 Pack- $41, 16 Pack- $144.
This Gose boasts vibrant passionfruit flavour with a refreshingly tart finish, perfect for a BBQ on a Saturday afternoon. Cost: 4 Pack- $19.40, 24 Pack- $84.19.
Formerly known as Sourpuss, this sour beer is summer in a can. It’s refreshing, with a dry finish, and has a zippy tartness to it. Cost: 4 Pack-$20.99, 24 Pack-$97.69.
This is not your ordinary lime sour. Japanese ‘Shikuwasa’ juice is added during fermentation which provides tart citrus, zesty, and sherbet flavours in this thirst-quenching sour. Cost: 16 Pack-$75.
Created with heavy helpings raspberries, blueberries and mulberries, and combined with raisin-like toffee malts this beer is both decadently sweet and zippy sour. Cost: 24 Pack- $120.
This raspberry Gose jumps out of the glass with tangy, dry and tart flavours melding in your mouth that leaves you craving the next sip. Cost: Can-$5.99, 4 Pack-$21.99, 24 Pack-$130.
Colonial South-West Sour is a warm-weather seasonal brewed in Margaret River in Western Australia’s South West. Expect a vibrant tropical aroma, but with low bitterness to keep this golden sour light and refreshing. You can pick them up in a watermelon and raspberry flavour too. Cost: Can- $5.49, 6-Pack- $24.90, 24 Pack-$83.99.
The cold weather in most parts of Australia coinciding with EOFY celebrations is the closest thing that we’ll get to snowy Christmas vibes. And if you’re in dire need of some festive cheer after the first six months of 2023, grab your ugly sweater and head to your nearest Red Rooster for Xmas in July deals.
From June 29 – July 31, 2023, Red Rooster is serving up free food items, a chance to win $10,000 or one of 10 merch packs valued at $400 and other fun prizes. All you have to do is sign up as a Red Royalty member and spend $5 on at a location near you or online.
Each week there’ll be new delicious deals and prizes to win. The week one deals have already dropped and they’re looking pretty tasty. You can get access to them via your Red Royalty account. The more you purchase, the more chances you have to win.
Spoiler alert: you can get 10 chicken nuggets for free, right now. Brb running to Red Rooster.