Here is to a "Sour" Summer

Blog 10: Here is to a “Sour” Summer!

Summer 2021 is upon us! Though it has been a tough year, warm weather is certainly raising our spirits here at InSpiirit.   With summer in mind, who doesn’t love sitting by a pool or lake enjoying a cold beverage. While the go to beverage is usually a cold, crisp lager, we think this is the year to try a fruit forward Sour beer.

What are Sour beers? Sour beers, primarily those that use the wild fermenting techniques, were some of the first beers every made by humans.  According to our friends at Vinepair a sour beer is any beer that uses a strain of yeast called Brettanomyces, or Brett for short. This gives the beer a sour taste and increases the acidity. Though many wonder how this can be good for the taste of a beer, it creates a complexity and new layer that is all the rage amongst people seeking out something different.  The wide variety of sours including salty cucumber Goses and several fruit variants are quite refreshing and go down easy in the summer heat. For an introduction to sour beer styles read Nick Hines’ excellent article found here. 

Brewmaster, Sam Maxbauer of The Exchange Brewery has expertise in producing high quality and delicious sour beers. Some of our recommendations include:

·       Rosa – a new summer can release made with raspberries, hibiscus and Niagara grape skins.  Tart, fruity and refreshing.

·       Gose – brewed with coriander and a touch of pink sea salt, it’s kettle-soured and fermented with Brettanomyces.

·       Plum Berliner Weisse – fermented with blue plums, light bodied and refreshing

·       Je Ne Sais Quoi – a collab with Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, a blend of lemongrass and ginger and aged in Niagara red wine barrels.

If you are a Sour beer aficionado or looking to try something a bit different this summer let us know and we will be happy to help you find the sour beer that will go great with all of your summer activities!