All About Sour Beers!
24 Jul, 15 / 
Have you jumped on the sour beer bandwagon yet? Sour beers, one of the earliest styles of beers in the world, are just beginning to become popular in the US. Hundreds of brewers are now dabbling into sours and we want you to know just what they’re all about!
What is it? Unlike most beers such as IPAs or stouts, sour beers have an intentionally acidic, tart or sour flavor.
How did it start? In the beginning, all beers were sour to some degree. This was due to the lack of refrigeration technology and advancements in the science of fermentation. Naturally occurring yeast and bacteria would creep into the beer creating acidity and giving it a sour flavor. After modern fermentation and refrigeration developments in the 1900’s sour-tasting beers disappeared because people saw the flavor as a negative quality. Starting in the 1970’s sour beers were reintroduced beginning with Belgian sours, slightly tweaking the original process to create something that would take America by storm. The sour beer industry has since exploded in the US with no sign of backing down!
How is it made? With any style of beer, no two sour beers are the same. Some sours are so tart that they can make your face pucker while others have only a lightly tangy taste. The flavor of a sour beer changes depending on the yeast and bacteria used during the brewing process. The use of bacteria in the beers reduces the sugar and causes them to have a much more acidic flavor, thus creating the sour base. The yeast is used to add to the sour flavor by introducing fruity and earthy aromas.
So which ones are the best? That’s for you to decide! Click here for a list of the Top Ten American Sour Beers ranked by Paste Magazine.
Every year Asheville holds the event Funk Asheville: A Gathering of Wild & Sour Beers. While this year’s festival has already passed, be sure not to miss the event next year! View the teaser video for 2015 Funk Asheville below.
Southern Spirits is your one stop shop for everything you need! From our outstanding selection of liquors to our incredible beer and wine selection, Charlotte’s favorite store is located right across the border in Fort Mill. Whether you are in North or South Carolina, you are going to love the prices, selection and service at the best liquor store in the South! Come by today, become one of our VIP members and we will make sure you have a happy day at Southern Spirits!
