Top 373 Sour Beers | Craft Beer & Brewing

373 of the Best Sour Beers, Blind-Tasted and Ranked

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Untitled Art Spritzer Weisse (78)

“Light, subtle nose brings beer and lactic lemon note forward. Sip is bare-bones, with touch of graininess and slight bitterness in the finish.”

Parish Brewing Co. Greetings From Holly Beach (80)

“Strong tiki nose feels more earthy and creamy than cloying, like an expertly crafted cocktail. The sip, however, brings a cresting tiki wave. Sweeter in the sip, it stays honest with a touch of funk.”

Black Shirt Brewing Co. Viewmaster (80)

“Cherry streusel with a touch of pastry dough on the nose. Widely round and sprawling. The sip is softly fruity and thick in the middle—enjoyable, inoffensive.”

Omnipollo Bianca Peanut Butter Gose (81)

“Brilliant color. Curiously earthy nose with hints of fruit denies abject pleasure. Sip misses expected creamy notes, instead pushing defined berry. For a beer that purports to be hedonistic, it’s remarkably restrained.”

Samuel Adams / Boston Beer Co American Kriek (82)

Banana notes mix with a spiced earthy funkiness that is a welcome surprise after the strong Belgian yeast aroma. The cherries are tart and present but have a sharp edge to them—more plum than fresh cherry. The linger is funky, long lasting, and dry. Sherry and some woody vanillin character are apparent. Finishes with tartness and some sweetness on the tongue.

The Lost Abbey Zinners & Saints (82)

"A sophisticated and relatively dry wine character pushes through initially, with a grape clarity that's the envy of fellow brewers."

Avery Brewing El Gose (82)

“Light and subtle fruit on the nose is remarkably restrained—vague hints of fleshy papaya or prickly pear. Flavor hits with a slightly bitter undertone, salt for body without serious salinity, and a light grainy malt.”

Brewery De Troch Oude Gueuze (83)

Sharp, bordering on harsh acidity/tartness up front, which comes through as lemon zest with a high pucker factor. Lemon fades to the finish. Strong, sharp Brett. Taste of lemon water in the finish keeps this beer refreshing. The beer sits on your tongue and is sticky after the finish.

Brasserie Dupont Monk's Stout Dupont (83)

An interesting combination of plum, cherry, heavy roast, and effervescent herbal qualities that give an almost menthol, numbing note. The roast turns into a burned incense, with smoke at the back end. Very interesting yeasty character in the middle of the palate, with some slight barnyard and farmhouse characters.

Destihl Synchopathic (83)

Tart and fruity, aggressively acidic and mouth puckering, with some backend sweetness to provide a bit of balance, but it’s still skewed toward acidic. The hops bitterness is assertive with some citrus notes that lean toward lemon juice, grapefruit, and vinegar.

Kannah Creek Apricot Sour (83)

The aroma promised more than the flavor delivered. The smooth-ish yogurt culture-like <em>Lacto</em> blends with a touch of strong fruit bitterness, but it’s not on a mouth-puckering level. The fruit flavor complements the esters. As it warms, the toasted malt character opens up, followed by subtle apricot and peach stone fruits, and leaving with a dry finish.

Hermitage Brewing Company Blood Orange American Sour (83)

Very tart, very sour, like a WARHEADS candy. Orange citrus and a bit of cranberry. Very tart, both lactic and citric. Nice funk in aftertaste. Light sweetness in the middle of the sip that quickly fades. Finishes with large tartness and orange with a light astringency.

Odell Brewing Sippin' Pretty (83)

“Bold tropical guava on the nose is equal parts funky and fun. The sip muddles into a soft and ill-defined middle ground.”

Anderson Valley Brewing Co. Framboise Rose Gose (83)

“A fleshy, slightly sweaty nose with just a hint of berry. The sip was surprisingly dry in that fermented-out raspberry way, finishing pretty down-the-middle. Predictable, safe, unassuming.”

New Belgium Brewing Transatlantique Kriek (84)

Funky fruit character—the notes of sweet cherries with tart cherries are very present. Smooth mouthfeel from carbonation. Moderate carbonation carries the low cherry notes throughout the sip and into the linger that is medi- um lasting. Cherry note is very pleasant mixed with just the right amount of sweetness. Nice and juicy but not too sweet. The tartness is present but not overpowering and adds complexity.

Cellar West Artisanal Ales God’s Eye (84)

The rich roasted quality blends well with the blackberry and <em>Brett</em> funk of straw/hay/musty cellar. The berries play a complementary role and add tartness. Finishes dry.

Destihl Raspberry Lynnbrook (84)

The raspberries have a medium-to-low fruit flavor, and despite the distinct smell, not as strong as expected. Medium-high funk with a slight vegetal note and faint sulfur. Strong acidity distracts a bit from the fruitiness. Finishes dry with a hint of lingering tartness and very little bitterness.

Black Project STARGATE² (84)

"Intense fruit juice sacrifices beer character for jamminess."

Firestone Walker Bretta Tangerine (84)

: "Fruit and leather (not fruit leather), with a fruity sour note make this drink like a well-mixed cocktail more than beer. Tiki depth without the excessive sweetness."

Two Roads Brewing Co. Tanker Truck Plum Gose (84)

“For a quick sour, the nose here is remarkably layered with Rodenbach-like dark fruit. The sip is rich, balanced on the bigger side—more sweetness, more acidity, more depth.”

Evil Twin Brewing Watermelon Spritzer (84)

“Salt here lends the watermelon flavor an almost cucumber-like note on the nose. The sip is intensely sweet, which highlights the sweet fruit notes above all others, but it structures the flavor that would otherwise get lost.

La Cumbre Brewing Co. Mango Pineapple Gose (84)

A delicious agua fresca nose offers the bright definition of pineapple over the round funky sweetness of mango. The sip offers a sharp acidic hit with shocks of pineapple that linger into a pleasing retronasal echo.

AC Golden Brewing Company Peche (85)

Nice peach fruitiness with a touch of apricot. A very subtle hint of butter along with the peach. Tart citric sourness quickly melds with fairly strong peaches and starts to overtake the fruit. The Brett character adds complexity without too much funk. Slight undertone of rubber/sulfur lingers in the aftertaste. Touch of husky graininess at the tail end.

Aspen Brewing Company Silver City Ale (85)

Moderate graininess up front. Light body is a bit thin but refreshing. Very slight tartness with some dry apple-like fruit notes, akin to a dry cider with a crisp finish. Medium carbonation and light body, with some malty biscuit notes that balance the tartness. Light and subtle lactic sour toward the end of the sip that lingers longer than expected.

Freigeist Kopenickiade (85)

Sour apple notes combined with some tartness of the lactic acid up front, along with some woody funkiness and a hint of sweat from the kettle sour. The low hops bitterness doesn’t get in the way of the tartness. Notes of dry apple with a medium dark fruitiness that could be mango, mixed with white grape.

Odell Brewing Company Dark Theory (85)

A nice blend of dark roasted malt and sour. The cherry character is more pronounced on the palate than on the aroma, and it helps to pull together the slightly harsh roasted character and the lactic/acetic sour, although the flavors seem to be competing with each other. The dark richness of the cherries shines through more with every sip and comes through in aftertaste and lingers long. It’s fairly full body but still dry.

Sudwerk Brewing Co. Plum on Eileen (85)

This is much more sour than it smells—mostly lactic with a touch of acetic. The plum esters add a nice roundness, and the fruity sweetness flows into a tart sourness with a sweet-tart finish. The <em>Brett</em> is kind of hard to find while cutting through the acidity.

Brewery Vivant Space Queen Immortal (85)

"A woodsy, earthy hops note and roasted peanuts on the nose girds the expected citrus hops, adding dimension, but the diminutive malt character does little to support the big fermentation and hops notes layered on top of it."

Tallgrass Brewing Raspberry Jam (85)

Big fruit notes all over the board—moderate raspberry, juicy lemon, and sweet gummy Lifesavers—with light sweetness, acidity, bitterness, and malt. It’s clean and fruity, with ester fruitiness boosted by the fruit additions. Some fructose sweetness in the aftertaste, and a dry finish.

New Realm Brewing Co. Tart's Content (85)

“Reminds you of Grandma’s house at the holidays. Could be equally at home served mulled from a crockpot. It’s savory and remarkably drinkable with big hits of romantic, nostalgic holiday spice.”

Dogfish Head Super Eight (85)

“Sometimes, a laundry list of ingredients can cohere into a new thing that’s so compelling it puts any questions to rest. In this case, we’re left scratching our heads.”

Sonder Brewing Boggs (85)

“Ocean Spray Cran-Cherry nose pops assertively, and the instant acid bite is as bracing as expected. Sweetness never materializes in more than a light balancing way, allowing fruit bitterness to scrub the palate. Curiously dry.”

Vista Brewing Velo de Flor (86)

"A strong tannic note defines the nose with notes of vanilla and oak. Reminiscent of a wild cider—effervescent and light. Precious little (aged) hops character leaves us looking for personality."

12 West Cuvee Verdad ALMA (86)

"Light and slightly sweet with a soft funk and cantaloupe/honeydew-melon notes. The gentle acidity is well-balanced with the funk and sweetness making for a flavorful (if a touch sweet) sipper."

Avery El Gose (86)

A sharper tartness up front, with just a hint of funk, that dissipates quickly and gives way to a bit of lemon and floral notes. Medium-light body with a touch of malt sweetness. Some of the hops bitterness includes grapefruit and evergreen—the grapefruit goes well with the spicy notes of pepper and nutmeg. The saltiness is there but fits comfortably into the mix. The finish is dry, with a slightly bitter finish.

Libertine Brewing That Girl is Boysen (86)

"Cherry/berry liqueur on the nose is sharp and defining. The sip offers a bit more acetic acid than we enjoy, with a back-of-the-throat burn that's hard to overcome."

Toolbox Das Fruit (86)

Strong citrus sourness, with bright acidity and some fruity sweetness. The juicy peach and apricot open up the flavor, followed quickly by tart lemon juice. The acidity takes over for a brief second, allowing the cereal malt quality to come back in the dry finish.

Servaes Passionfruit Distant Light (86)

“Slight Pacific fruit funk on the nose with a softer melon note rounding it out. The pale pink color is gorgeous. Intensely sweet and rather overwhelming—a fruity dessert beer for those with a sweet tooth.”

Madtree Brewing Shade (86)

“Jammy berry notes bring to mind red wine—intriguing. Flavor-wise, it’s safer, with a light berry note and significant salt component that bowls over rather than highlights the fruit.”

Allagash Brewing Co. Windfall (86)

"A near-perfect peach nose feels equal parts earthy, sweet, perfumey, subtle, and punchy. Bright peach character follows through the sip with a mild acidity and dry ever-so-faintly-bitter finish."

Springdale Beer Co. Desert Solitaire (86)

"Low-key nose with subtle mixed-fermentation notes of lemon and linen, braced by faint wine. On the sip, a tropical-fruit and white-wine-grape burst of flavor and acidity."

Brouwerij Boon Kriek Boon (87)

Strong cherry flavor well matched with smooth acidity and light level of sweetness. Sweet but blends with a slight lemon tartness that keeps it from being too sweet. Very light funky note. Nice tartness/acidic/lactic character hits the roof of the mouth and adds nice complexity. High wine notes of cherry and moderate citrus notes, grapefruit and lime. Light carbonic bite then nice hit of acidity. Linger is dry with lasting fruity notes.

Kannah Creek Hop Citrus Zest Sour (87)

Assertive lemony tartness with a candied lemon character that comes through like a Lemon Warhead. Moderate malty-sweet backbone that’s funky and bready. Some sour citrusy hops flavors with moderate bitterness that are sideswiped by a sour tang, and stay through the finish. The initial malt sweetness fades to a nice, dry finish.

Smuttynose Blueberry Short Weisse (87)

A bit of underripe blueberry, which is accentuated by the dry acidity and lemon notes, almost lending a hint of vegetal. More ripe juicy blueberry comes through afterward, and the finish is balanced with both fruit and tartness lingering just a touch but not too much. Very light malt support that’s cracker-like, and light body with a dry finish.

Fate Uror Gose (87)

Moderately tart up front, with a touch of citrus sweetness. Light, tart sweetness in the middle that transitions into more prominent sour toward the finish and is medium lasting. The tartness is refreshing but the body lacks some sweetness to hold this tartness up. Slightly salted, crisp, with a refreshing finish. The acidity stays through the finish.

Three Taverns Craft Brewery Rapturous (87)

The beer has a nice balance of fruit sweetness with big raspberry, a touch of bitter, moderate malt/wheat sweetness, and a touch of acidity. The tartness is delicate and balances well. Clean, refreshing, tasty.

Fat Tire and Friends Fat Sour Apple Ale (87)

Sweet and tart apple followed by subtle tartness develops into hints of biscuit malt sweetness. The acidity is definitely present, but not particularly sharp or tangy. A dry cidery bitter character contributes some grapefruit and citrus aftertaste. Clean and refreshing.

Funkwerks Pineapple Provincial (87)

“Funky, slightly sweaty fruit note begs for a touch less attenuation to sell the tropical cocktail aspect.”

Area Two Experimental Brewing Kriek (87)

"Sweet almond and punchy, rich, tart cherry drive the nose. The sip wavers between cherry-fruit pleasure and funky Brett-driven austerity, starting juicy and ending in herbal dryness."

Funk Factory Geuzeria The Last Four Winters... (87)

"Creamy peach and apricot fro-yo on the nose; light mineral funk, faint hit of pie crust, and sharper aged-hops notes. Acidity inches past bright into tangy."

New Glarus Brewing Company Serendipity (88)

Very sweet, Jolly Rancher– flavor with a light acidity. The fruits are hard to discern, but it tastes like unfer- mented apple juice and plums. Low sour could use bit more oomph to back up the sweetness. Malt profile is hidden, but hints at a touch of bread, without which this would push very close to wine cooler territory. Linger is fruity and has a light strawberry note mixed into the fruit.

Brouwerij Van Steenberge Monk's Cafe (88)

Flavors of blackberries and cur- rants. Fruit cocktail: pear, maraschino cherry, apricot, pineapple. Light tartness gives way to a very sweet, light-bodied beer. Finish is cotton-candy sweet. Malt is almost chocolaty. Doesn’t taste like a Flanders. Moderately low acidity is out of style. Strange perfume and grape flavor. Spicy phenolics. Odd flavor combo. Slight carbonic bite. Creamy body and a sweet finish.

The Bruery Sour in the Rye (88)

Dark fruit, strong acidity. Moderate tart notes up front with a green-apple note in the middle of the sip. As it warms the green apple gives way to a rich sourness that is obvious but doesn’t overpower the substantial esters that add a lot of depth to this beer. Apple, pineapple, and passion fruit deliver a refreshing complexity.

Vanberg & DeWulf LambicX Private Domain (88)

Fruity notes of peach and apricot, a touch of strawberry, some lemon zest, moderate tobacco and other earthy notes. Light, sharp, dry Brett horse/hay funk helps to dry the beer out in the finish. Slight acidic tartness in the middle, but finishes with an orange/ grapefruit-rind type bitterness. Carbon- ation is lower than most.

The Rare Barrel Home, Sour Home (88)

Big puckering sour followed by a nice boysenberry flavor. Finished with a nice tart and dry finish. The oak adds a nice complexity without overpowering it. The flavors blend and meld in a sophisticated yet enticing way.

Madtree Shade (88)

Light raspberry up front with a hint of tart funk to support, but very subtle and muted. A nice honey-like sweetness and fruitiness are expertly balanced with the complex acidity. The body is very light and thin, with a soft malt note, and a slight buttery/nutty finish.

Original Ritterguts Gose (88)

Hints of apple with some mild tartness, and the noticeable salty character adds flavor. The malt expresses a bread-like sweetness with some subtle spices that add complexity. Lactic tartness hits up front and carries through the finishing sip. The moderate grape adds a touch of light, watery vinegar for background depth. A dry carbonic bite carries in the finish.

EPIC Brewing Oak and Orchard Dark Sour with Plum (88)

Everything seems to blend together. Rich dark caramel, plum, and cherry notes with moderate sourness. Finishes slightly astringent with a lingering sourness and plum ester character and some <em>Brett</em> funk. Residual sweetness improves drinkability. Aftertaste is smooth and not aggressive—‘more-ish.’

The Dudes' Peach Berliner Weisse (88)

The thick, sweet peach character is very present throughout the taste. Tartness hides behind the flavor and comes through subtly, with a touch of dissonance. Carbonation is moderate, but could be a bit higher to counter the heavier body. The end of the sip is light and sour, but the finish is very sweet.

pFriem Gose (88)

This beer has a nice balance of sweetness with a slight tartness and some salt character. Some passionfruit and melon, with light raisins mixed with mango. The salt comes through midway, along with some light sweetness, then finishes with a moderate sourness and malty wheat-like sweetness. Moderate carbonation with a medium body.

Dogfish Head Seaquench (88)

“A Calvinist nose leaves little adornment and no room for pleasure, but the lime notes on the sip backed with a subtle, soft bitterness and mild acidity flash glimpses of the earthly delights.”

Reuben's Brews Razzmatazz (88)

“Creamy raspberry candy on the nose avoids the typical sharp raspberry bite. Rounded in the sip with more subtle restraint on the fruit and sweetness that allow the base beer to shine (despite the shocking color). Bold on the nose, balanced in the body.”

Left Hand Brewing Co. Wheels Gose Round (88)

“Chalky SweetTart nose pulls some soft rose petal and a touch of honey malt. The raspberry arrives on time. The sip expands and defines, with stronger highs and lows and a middle that pulls the sparkling mix together.”

Crooked Stave Member Berries Petite Sirah (88)

"Rich nose of dark cherries and raspberries, black pepper, leather. The sip is sharp red berry, oak tannin, spicy pepper, bitter Brett funk, and a simultaneously juicy and dry red grape."

Funk Factory Geuzeria Harvest Sun (88)

"Chardonnay grape and pawpaw fruit on the nose is sharp but creamy. Peach pulls forward in the flavor with a midline acidity that pushes the contrast."

Revelry Brewing Co. Ramblin’ Rubus (88)

"Sharp raspberry note on the nose suggests a strong acidity, and the beer delivers on that bright and pointed expectation. A hazy body softens the intensity just a touch."

Pure Project Everything Gold May Stay (88)

"Subtle wood and berries on the nose with a faint vegetal note. Flavor is wide with just enough perceived sweetness to balance out the rather significant acidity. Balanced on the intense side of the equation."

De Cam Geuzestekerij Oude Lambiek (89)

Moderately high acidity with a sharp Brett character. Slightly sweet citrus up front with earthy hay notes. Finishes a bit thin and dry, which may also be from the lower carbonation (nearly still). Dry apple character and pleasant tartness but a fairly soft palate. Bitterness (orange peel) lingers, along with sourness and a hint of sweet.

Garage Brewing Company Fruitopia Berliner Weisse (89)

“Dense, sour candy–like tropical-fruit nose. In the sip, sharp acidity grabs the attention—the fast swallow to clear it from your palate feels rushed. Through the swallow, a chalky flavor dulls the fruit.”

Big Grove Brewery and Taproom Strawberry Cherry Swirl (89)

“Chalky strawberry-cherry nose with a touch of funky fermentation esters. The sip leads with a hit of fruit acidity but never devolves into full-on sweet territory.”

Bhramari Brewing Company Origami Dream (89)

“Soft Hawaiian Punch nose, with considerable vanilla pushing through. The sip backs off the sweetness a touch, amping up light citrus with an herbal red-fruit angle that remains undefined. Less body than others, but with great drinkability—you could finish more than one.”

Revolution Brewing - Brewpub Freedom of Expression (89)

“Tightly balanced sweet-tart nose captures rose aromatics that complement the rosy color. In the sip, rhubarb’s gentle earthiness knocks down the strawberry’s initial sweetness in a tightly choreographed dance. Starts sweet, finishes dry. Eminently drinkable.”

Good Word Brewing & Public House Gran Gran (89)

“Beautiful purple head and rich wine- colored body make it quite attractive. On the nose, the wine theme continues with a hefty blackberry note. It’s sweet-ish in the sip without going full-on sweet, and the spicy blackberry tannin and subtle spice offer a nice balance to the sweeter elements. Drinkable, without feeling like a compromise.”

Humble Forager Brewery Coastal Sunset V4 (89)

“Pineapple with a very light cherry note in the nose strikes an almost buttery-rich tone, like bread pudding. The sip leans toward pineapple Slurpee with a shot of cherry—syrupy and sweet.”

Birds Fly South City Bus (89)

"Generic grape note on the nose, but the flavor isn't standard. It's low in the funk one expects from grape-driven sour beers, but the sparkling carb drives a quick fruit-forward spritz to satisfy with a champagne-beer experience."

Russian River Brewing Beatification (89)

"Gorgeous and subtly confident in execution, exuding mild funk with a bit of structuring bitterness and just the slightest touch of grapefruit sweetness in the mid-palate and finish."

Odell Brombeere (89)

Big blackberry up front, with a light tartness right after that extends to the finish. The sourness is restrained, but still adds to the refreshing character of the beer. Light body, moderate carbonation, and light malt tips the balance toward sweet. The fruit flavors linger nicely in the aftertaste.

Urban Artifact Trivet (89)

“Minty fresh, vaguely fruity nose offers red fruit with a lemony acidic streak. The sip softens the initial sharp acidity with a rounder chalky finish.”

Reuben's Brews Holiday Gose (89)

“Holiday spice and sawn pine lumber echo the season in the subtle nose. The body offers light acidity and mild sweetness that’s almost too subtle for the intentions.”

Freethought Temporal (89)

“A sophisticated herbal cocktail evokes bitters, acid, ginger, and endlessly enthralling layers. The flavor veers toward pink grapefruit and sage—just beautiful.”

Narrow Gauge Brewing Meersalz Raspberry (89)

“Rich, creamy raspberry on the nose doesn’t lose the script. The sip balances sweet and tannic berry notes, never giving in to abject smoothie sweetness, but avoiding the hollowed-out character of full refermented raspberry beers.”

Jester King Brewery Coolship Roadtrip (89)

"Understated soft stone-fruit nose feels subdued, but a sharp and too-bitter bite on the sip leaves a lingering cacophony that never really resolves."

Perennial Artisan Ales Funky Wit Apricot (89)

"Milky apricot nose with a subtle funk. Sharp sip with assertive acidity and a bright fruit that lingers. A touch too heavy-handed in the acidity."

The Veil Brewing Co. Covered in Nothing (89)

"Sweet sherry nose suggests barrels and age. Spanish cidre, marmalade. An umami weight best savored slowly and deliberately."

Black Project Oxcart (89)

"Low carbonation, but aroma’s subtle orange and stone fruit, propped by funky mineral note, pull things back around. The sip is intensely fruit-forward, with orange and lime notes that feel heavy."

Hangar 24 Craft Brewery Chandelle (90)

Lots of lactic acid and tartness up front with just a subtle hint of apricot fruit and sweetness to balance. Very light pineapple, mouth-puckering lemon sour. Body is a tad light. Nice leathery Brett frames the sour. Long-lingering lactic with a touch of apricot. High carbonation provides a warmth in the finish.

Brouwerij Bockor N.V Cuvee Des Jacobins Rouge (90)

Flavors of tart green apple and lemon. Some barnyard and a touch of acetic. Strong yet smooth lactic flavor lends a moderate-high sourness up front with an almost sour-candy-like note that fades quickly into a dry finish. Little to no malt character, medium body, and a crisp acidic finish. No alcohol bite but a slight tart, acidic bite as it warmed up.

The Bruery Oude Tart (90)

Cherry sweetness accented with dark fruit and berry notes. Moder- ate acidity with some slight fusels in the finish and a strong lactic-acid character with a hint of acetic. Heavy carbonic bite, deep wood notes and a slight astringency. High sour punch up front with little malt or sweetness to support it. Slight green apple note after I let it rest on my tongue.

Broad Brook Brewing Company Berliner Weisse Style-Blueberry (90)

“Creamy fruit-milkshake nose with light berry and punchy lemon. The sip isn’t nearly as sweet as the nose suggests, as semidry berry notes with an earthy twang gleam with just a light polish of lemon and vanilla.”

Ecliptic Brewing Tucana Tangerine Sour Ale (90)

“A curiously malty nose offers a departure from the stylistic norm, highlighted by bright citrus hits. The flavor continues to meld malt and fruit elements, but a strong citrus acidity hits with a shock of muddled lime and orange. An earthy element weighs it down.”

Three Taverns Brewery Cream Weaver (90)

“Orange creamsicle with a curious woody vanilla nose. The sip is unabashedly sweet, with high-key tangerine citrus. The lower carbonation departs quickly, leaving it more sweet fruit drink than beer.”

Brix Brewery & Taphouse Pink Raptor (90)

“Soft grapefruit and light berry in the nose. The sip broadens with a body-building salinity and general tart fruitiness, without grasping onto specific fruit definition. Finishes with an overripe tropical-fruit note that never gets too sweet, despite its funky imprecision.”

Tampa Bay Brewing Co Production Brewery Key Lime Pie in the Face (90)

“Spicy graham-cracker crust and a touch of key lime on the nose. In the sip, the buffering pie elements fall away, leaving the intensely sour key lime without the sweetness to make it more palatable. Austere and extreme.”

Melvin Brewing Eureka (House of Flying Barrels) Mystic Tigers (90)

“Vivid color, but the nose tilts more earthy/fruit skin than juice or flesh. The sip pairs bold acidity with a dry but round tropical-fruit punch, for an intense and slightly unrelenting approach.”

The Lost Abbey Tiny Bubbles Key Lime (90)

“Margarita nose—salt, vaguely funky tequila, light bit of lime. The sip is full, with expansive body for a light beer. Just sweet enough to smooth the acidic edge without weighing the beer down.”

New Belgium La Folie Grand Reserve PX (90)

"A toasty s'mores- like graham cracker-marshmallow-milk chocolate nose suggests pastry while a grilled lime acidity in the sip is followed by a warm and toasty lingering marshmallow note—satisfying without being sweet."

Transmitter Harvest 7 (90)

Subtle and well-integrated fruit posit a berry-forward acidic beer that's not as challenging as a lambic with a very subtle funk, but offers an acidic and fruit-forward expression."

August Schell Astral Fusion (90)

"A slightly medicinal nose, but on the sip, the acidity is bright and immediate while the tart berry fruit notes amplify without becoming overbearing. It finishes quickly and cleanly."

Societe Brewing Company The High Binder (90)

The raspberries aren’t too sweet, are nice and tart, and carry through the entire taste. The tartness is right in line with the flavor, with light Lacto and a touch of cherry and lime. Moderate dryness and a roasty and toasty malty backbone. More Brett here in the flavor—nice and earthy.

Avery Brewing Co. Raspberry Sour (90)

The raspberry notes show through up front and add a nice sweetness to the taste. The raspberry sweetness mixes with a light <em>Lacto</em> tartness and a moderate salty lime flavor. There are notes of dark fruit as well with some plum and an earthy complexity. Tastes of tea. The medium body and a high carbonation bring out the tartness. Light caramel sweetness in the middle that transitions into a tart bitterness into the aftertaste.

Great Notion Zest (90)

The lactic tartness hits up front and carries notes of lemon, lime, and grapefruit. The high carbonation brings out more of the tartness, and a light body rounds it out. There’s a slickness to the beer that carries through the finish and sits on the tongue with some lactic and slightly butter slickness. The aftertaste is like wood from an old barn—dry straw, rich, earthy, peaty.”

Perennial Artisan Ales La Cosecha (90)

"A bit of mineral lambic-style funk in the nose adds a bite over a bed of sweet ripe peaches. The flavor is alternating hits of pungent fruit acidity softened by dreamy sweet peach pie."

Prairie Artisan Ales Funky Gold Amarillo (90)

Tart and refreshing. The lemon, mango, and melon fruit sweetness hits with the high sourness and tartness up front, which adds some fruit complexity. The hops provide some complexity in the middle with some spice and citrus notes. Good carbonation brings out the tartness almost to the point of being harsh, and nice refreshing finish.

Standard Brewing VooDoo Funk (90)

"An incredibly pale body, but draws you in on the nose with a lemon-curd-on-sourdough-toast tang, and the flavor hits quick with a zap of tart lemon-water acidity that quickly resolves into a fast and gentle finish."

Prairie Artisan Ales No Way Frosé (90)

Caramel-corn nose smells like a county fair—a sweet, fruity, caramelly mishmash. Fruit leather with a lilting phenolic throughout. The sip only furthers the confusion.”

Ninkasi Brewing Co. Brightberry (90)

“A murky nose hides potentially bright notes in the soft haze of refermented fruit. The sip is obscured by water chemistry, leaving a hint of defined fruit in your first breath afterward.”

Modern Times Beer Fruitlands (90)

“Confident tropical notes in the aroma neither scream nor whimper. The sip is one of the brightest of its kind, as the initial sharp hit of fruit acidity lends a definition and structure throughout.”

Beachwood Blendery We Are Who We Pretend to Be (90)

"Painless, light mineral gueuze funk on the nose—sweaty, funky tropical fruit with flashes of satisfying sweet fruit. Flavor is a touch more austere, with a very light stone-fruit-juice note and a touch of funk."

Fonta Flora Brewery 2019 AWAS Blend #1 (90)

"Red-wine grape, oak tannin, and a vague dry fruitiness with a sherry-like musty nose. The sip is austere and dry with a bright red berry, jammy note."

West Sixth Brewing Sixfold VI: Blackberries (90)

"Sharp tannic wood nearly overwhelms the berry notes on the nose. The sip is biting with wood and fruit tannins piling on to a sharp acidity."

Yazoo Brewing A Travers Le Plateau Fruité (90)

"Sweet bourbon and aged ester character—raisin and fig—make for an earthy and grounded nose. The sip is umami-rich with dried stone fruit, sharp acidity, prune and fig, and a bitter and tannic half note that surges mid-sip."

Birds Fly South Ale Project Graffiti Heart (90)

"This light approach to Flanders-style red steers clear of the syrupy sweet and sour standard and offers a Bantamweight body with rich cherry, strong acidity, and residual sweetness."

Brewery Vivant Angelina (90)

"Woody, toasty malt note under apple and light grape in the nose. The sip brings more red grape, a mid-sharp acidity, sour citrus and lemon peel, and a pithy bitterness."

Avery Brewing Company Spontanea (91)

This beer has a nice champagne-like taste with the high car- bonation. The moderate tartness with a slight sweetness transitions into a semi- dry linger that is medium lasting and a light tannic finish. As it warms, there are more grape notes. The acidic sourness is present but not overpowering. Nice lactic flavor. Mellow and rounded.

Odell Brewing Company Brazzle (91)

Sour, but not overly so. Enjoy- able malt complements the sourness, with no real bitterness to speak of. Some light berry notes and cherry-like fruit fla- vors add complexity with a touch of Brett funk that pulls it all together. Moderate puckering up front that subsides quickly. Medium herbal note and long-lingering berry notes with a bit of tannin.

Three Floyds Brewing Company Skull'Ole (91)

Very high tartness from the first sip all the way through the long, long-lasting linger. Otherwise, very nice cherry flavor and some interesting choc- olate and coffee from the malt. There’s a slight sweet and smoky BBQ note right in the middle of the sip that is quite wonderful. As it warms, strong cherry notes come out. The bracing tartness lingers through to the finish and sits on the tongue and teeth.

New Belgium Brewing La Folie (91)

High fruit up front similar to a fruit leather. Strong dark fruit sourness and dark malt character that doesn’t give much sweetness but complex bread and toasty bits in the background. Tart cranberry-like astringency. Very earthy and funky Brett character, finishing with a slightly sour bite. Finish is dry and crisp with a lingering tartness.

Brouwerij Verhaeghe Duchesse de Bourgogne (91)

Flavors of blackberries and cur- rants with lots of cherry and, perhaps, apple. Moderate-high malty sweetness with a hint of acetic astringency. Slight carbonic bite. Creamy body and a sweet finish. Very sweet with some lactic sour. Low carbonation with a rich medium body. As it warms, the perception of sourness increases.

Creature Comforts Athena (91)

Grapefruit with a moderate lemon and melon note that transitions into a sour, light puckering finish. The nice, balanced apple and peachy sour continues well after the sip has finished. Very crisp, with high carbonation and a medium malty sweet wheat body

Destihl Here Gose Nothing (91)

Complex, unique tartness up front, with hints of lemon juice, which works surprisingly well with the moderate level of salt. Nice, soft malt background that balances the tartness, and no hops bitterness. Huge coriander, with a SweeTarts mix of malt and sour, and a big salty kiss that lingers into the aftertaste. Every sip hits pretty strong, but some of the other notes have to build to be noticed, like the phenolic spiciness and ester complexity.

Creature Comforts Brewery Athena Paradiso (91)

Starts with big raspberries and cherries and a touch of sweetness that flow into tart cranberries with a very dry finish. Nice tannins from the fruit. Maybe could use just a touch more body, and some more malt complexity might help this beer carry the berry complexity into the finish.

Woven Water Brewing Company Æther (91)

“Berry smoothie meets rich cabernet in the nose; fruity top notes and earthy bass build layered, full-spectrum appeal. In the sip, rich low-key sweetness underpins the dark berries without stealing the show, developing richness without cloying.”

Oskar Blues Brewery Guava Rodeo Sour Ale (91)

“In the nose, tropical juice—a touch of sulfur and a broad phenolic layer over endearing sweeter fruit notes. In the sip, moderate acidity provides structure, and sweeter fruit notes play against a present malt note.”

Unsung Brewing Company Punch Bowl 2021 (91)

“A chalky but endearing child-aspirin fruit note on the nose. The sip is vibrant, with semisweet berry notes braced with berry spice and tannic berry skin. Hovering between sweet and dry with wine-like richness, it’s compelling in its contrarian pose.”

Alvarado Street Brewery Howzit Punch (91)

“Huge passion fruit on the nose—sweaty, tropical, sweet, with a funky tart element behind it. The sip is juice-forward, with each sip capturing the acidity, sweetness, and bitterness you’d expect from the actual fruit. Finely tuned and captivating.”

St. Elmo Brewing Company Roxanne (91)

“Tropical guava nose with a spicy tingle and cool detachment. The sip punches with more intense acidity, adding a bold sheen to lighter tropical notes while amplifying some of the earthy elements. Finishes slightly dry, with an unexpected funk.”

Jester King Craft Brewery Funk Metal (91)

Semisweet and dark chocolate notes quickly overtaken by a tart acidity. Nice sweet malt character with some good roasty toast notes from the malt. Lactic lemon-like acidic flavor adds sweet and sour notes and complexity. Some funky earthy wood quality adds to the scope of the beer. Dry throughout due to bugs chewing through anything that makes a stout thick and rich.

The Rare Barrel The Search (91)

Lots of wild, mixed-fermentation flavors and a touch of musty complex earthiness mix well with the earthy and herbal hops flavor. Wood astringency is a bit intense, stone fruit and pear, moderate-high sour citrus pith. Bitterness lingers in the finish. The oak overshadows some of the more subtle contributions of malt, wild fermentation.

Funkwerks Raspberry Provincial (91)

The raspberry dominates, with hints of underripe tartness and sweetness, then gives way to a subtle lactic tartness, which carries a bit more thanks to the dry, light body. There’s a hint of hops bitterness and light banana, as well as very light wheat malt character and simple sugar. It finishes dry and light.

Funkwerks Pineapple Provincial (91)

Bright acidity from the pineapple that dominates at the front and a big, juicy flavor profile that really delivers on fruit. A touch of mango at the back, with slightly green tropical fruit. Moderate <em>Lacto</em> acidity and funk, a very light touch of hops bitterness, and just a hint of salt. Mouth-filling carbonation, thin body, and a nice dryness that’s an invitation to another sip.

Weldwerks Apricot Gose (91)

Moderately sour up front with apple, pear, and apricot flavors to add a touch of sweetness. Pronounced tartness that outpaces the subtle flavor of the apricot. Not as balanced as it could be, yet the apricot is still plenty evident. The high carbonation makes it light on the tongue and refreshing.

Monday Night Vinology: Syrah (91)

"A buttery and soft wine nose leads to a subtly tannic, mildly sweet, and gentle body. It's acidic, but not overly so, but lacks a touch of funk. Relatively straightforward wine-grape sour."

Funkwerks Raspberry Provincial (91)

“Refermented natural fruit offers an earthy berry nose and flavor that trades intensity for honesty, then gives way to a firm lemony acidity.”

American Solera Foeder Cerise (91)

"Rich cherry notes on the nose could be almond/marzipan or hair salon, depending on the mood. Flavor is juice-forward with a dry matte sheen that stops just short of rustic expectations."

pFriem Family Brewers New Avenues Blend #1 (91)

"Rich dark raspberry and a light vinous note combine for a light red-wine note in the nose backed by just a touch of lambic-style funk. The sip is dark, rich, savory, umami, and slightly sweet—a textural experience on top of the rich taste."

Firestone Walker Bretta Blanc (91)

"White-wine grape on the nose mashes up earthy, expressive, sweet, and confident. The sip is bright with a burst of acid and sweetness that settles down into lingering cantaloupe and honeydew."

The Lost Abbey Peach Afternoon (91)

"Subtle but very clearly expressed juicy white peach on the nose is complemented by a floral background. Tame acidity lets the fruit, and beer, shine. Gorgeous."

3 Fonteinen Oude Gueuze (91)

"Vivid mineral funk jumps out with a touch of diesel; an endearing stone-fruit character rounds and softens it. The sip is soft, with restrained acidity and light grapefruit—sweet fruit and scrubbing bitterness."

2nd Shift Brewing Chateau la Douchebag (91)

"Woody, hay-like nose offers a bit of wet mud; light floral note. The sip brings a soft, accessible acid profile—delightfully restrained—with notes of passion fruit, papaya, guava. Tropical, clean, bright, without the phenolic drag."

Gueuzerie Tilquin Oude Quetsche (92)

The fruit notes in this beer come through very nicely: peach, apricot, pluot, and plum. Moderately strong sweetness and fruit-skin tannic bitterness with a light cherry aftertaste. The acidic, lactic tart character helps to build this beer and dances with the fruit notes. Nice Brett notes help to finish this beer and dry it out.

Wicked Weed Brewing Genesis (92)

Light clean lactic sourness with flavors of apricot/peach skin. Cider-like green and red apple flavors. Lime and grapefruit notes with a low green apple note. Grainy malt sweetness. Cinnamon and bread crust tart sourness is very smooth, lactic. High fruitiness up front with a rush of moderate sour notes com- ing in. High carbonation complements the sour notes. Slight wood or oak notes. Linger is slight and sour.

O'so Brewing Company Door Kriek (92)

Very, very dry. High tartness, with notes of cherry and slight lime citrus. As it warms the tartness subsides into smooth funky notes. Lactic tartness is balanced by some nice sweet cherries and barnyard-like musky earthiness. The finish is bright and cleaned up well.

Cascade Brewing Kriek Ale (92)

Cherries and cranberries are present. Nice juicy character. The sweet sourness of this beer is really nice. The acidic tartness helps to finish the beer out. Some background malt character. Moderate carbonation with a medium body consisting of cherries and medium sweetness. The carbonation of the beer leaves a nice warming. Linger is a slight dry cherry note that is medium lasting.

Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project Key Lime Tau (92)

Limeade-like citric acid tag teams with a lactic acid tang for an unstoppable duo. Slight lactose sweetness in the middle of the sip dries out in the finish. Rich fruity sweetness up front, with a sour punch in the middle and a nice spice astringency on the swallow to clean things up.

Pure Project Hydra (92)

“The pink color is suggestive, but the nose dives deeper with unexpected fruity hops. On the sip, vaguely pungent and spicy red-berry notes push forward, and the combination of tannin and spice undercut the sweetness. A light hop bitterness helps cleanse the palate.”

Vitamin Sea Brewing Sour Pipe Project Shave Ice (92)

“Sweet tropical-fruit nose punctuated by a hit of vanilla. In the sip, a bright burst of acidity and carbonation segue into a broadly tropical body—sweet but not too sweet, with just enough funky tropical-fruit bitterness to offset it.”

Wise Man Brewing Tropical Shirts (92)

“Soft berry nose, gentle and inviting. In the sip, a relatively dry—not bitter or overly acidic—berry character runs through like old-fashioned Kool-Aid before you add the sugar. A bit thin, but excellent fruit expression.”

Maplewood Brewing Company Brunch Punch Fruit Punch (92)

“Creamy fruit nose mashes up cherry and berry with a clever tropical twist. The sip delivers on the soft promise of the nose, as it rolls in gently with a broad berry fruitiness highlighted by tart tropical-fruit notes.”

Jolly Pumpkin La Roja with Boysenberry & Guava (92)

Soft dark fruit from the malt pairs nicely with the fruit additions. Great balance on the finish. The lingering malt sweetness is cut by the tart character, and there’s a bit of an edgy bite that cleans things up. Lingering woodsy astringency adds some funk but isn’t overdone.

Lagunitas Aunt Sally (92)

Lots of grapefruit flavors—tart and citrus, bordering on pith, followed by a light, restrained tartness and a hint of malt sweetness. The resinous hops add to perceived body. The finish is a touch bitter, but balanced, with a hint of astringency. It dries out rather quickly.”

Sierra Nevada Otra Vez (92)

Crisp melon mixed with bubble gum and slight salt character. Notes of a green stem combined with watermelon rind. Lower tartness than other Goses lets the complex flavors shine.

To Øl Sur Simcoe (92)

The flavor is complex and unique. Sour up front with a nice hops flavor of light lemongrass and grapefruit, and a bit of mint. Light hops bitterness appears toward the end of the sip, but in the background. It finishes fruity and tart, with light lemon citrus flavor.”

Grand Teton Brewing Gose (92)

Surprisingly full body—a little too salty, but blends well with the mineral-water notes. The assertive hops flavor smacks into a pillow of soft sourness, accompanied by pineapple esters and a maltiness that adds a touch of sweetness. Lemon juice and a hint of lime zest play well with the hops notes of pineapple, grapefruit, and tangerine. The finish is dry, which accentuates the tartness a bit.

Rodenbach Vintage 2015 (92)

"Fortified wine and rich tart cherries on the nose with just a hint of acidity and background notes of leather, sweet tobacco, and balsamic comfort—soft and inviting."

Green Bench Brewing Co./Jester King Brewery Sleeping Dragon (92)

Fruity and sweet up front, with a hit of tartness that comes through as Tutti Frutti. Citrusy notes of pineapple and lemon, with raspberry and melon. Grassy notes, almost an earthy top soil note, with Brett funk and an aftertaste that rings with a hint of sweetness and an earthy, woody complexity.

Atom Brewing Peach Sour (92)

Overripe juicy and sweet peach with a restrained tartness/sourness. Slight funk. Well-balanced wild characteristics. Neutral oak tannins that give a slightly astringent finish. Slightly solvent. Restrained sourness complements the fresh fruit.

Rowley Farmhouse Ales I live for Merlot (92)

"Subtle sulfur on the nose with a blurry berry sweetness on the sip, it's suitably acidic, but simple in expression."

Dankhouse That Purple Passion (92)

“Bright fruit and waxy fern on the nose. The sip is very sweet but still compelling, with an enduring berry/passion-fruit character and just a touch of fruit funk.”

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Otra Vez (92)

“Classic margarita nose offers lime with an earthy herbal note. Refreshing and bright, the sip offers subtle sweetness that highlights the lime, while acidity and subtle earthiness keep it organized through the finish.”

Ballast Point Brewing Co. Citrus Cove Gose (92)

“Herbal lemon-lime tea with a bright undercurrent of fresh-squeezed lime juice on the nose. The sip sacrifices some expected citrus sharpness to a paunchy malt body with a kick of lime in the finish.”

Westbound & Down Metaberry + Vanilla and Cognac (92)

"Earthy vanilla pops the raspberry right out with a note that would be candy-like if it weren’t so deep in tone. Vinous rich red note with touch of vanilla and oak is ultimately endearing."

Calusa Brewing Foederhead (92)

"More Brett pale than wild ale. Crisp linen on the nose, light woody Brett bitterness, and minor tartness."

Jester King Brewery 2019 SPON Three Year (92)

"Thai basil, rose, lemon petit four, herbal tea in the nose. Round, woody vanilla note softens the bright lemon acidity before it resolves and dries in the finish, with light tannin and soft bitterness."

The Rare Barrel Blurred T (92)

"Sparkly loose and casual red-wine nose offers a spritzy, almost stone-fruit and apple nose. The sip is similarly light with a bright almond and grape note. Engagingly light and bright."

Yeast of Eden Vinisimilar: Pinot Noir (92)

"Tart cherry pits, black currants, almond, lemon funk, and a crisp herbal note on the nose. Slightly feral and lightly citrusy, with earthy mineral undertones."

The Ale Apothecary El Cuatro (92)

herry, forward acidity, low notes of cherry skin and wood tannin. Mild leathery Brett. Port grape-like notes carry in the dry finish.

New Glarus Brewing Company Wisconsin Belgian Red (93)

Very strong sour cherry flavor that’s sweet with no bitterness and a bit of lemon acidic tartness. Some nice spice character— a touch of cinnamon or some pumpkin spices. The sweetness then fades to a cranberry-like tartness. Has a crisp carbonic bite that pairs well with the slight alcohol warming toward the end of the sip. The sweetness lingers in the finish.

O'so Brewing Company Framrood (93)

Nice big raspberry flavor com- plemented by a firm but not excessive sourness that is most present once the sip has ended. Other Brett-derived flavors are stronger than the acidic tart- ness. The cheesy quality comes through some in the flavor, but not as much as the aroma suggests.

Brasserie Cantillon Kriek (93)

Dry and tart with the sweetness coming through with the acidic tartness in the back. Cherries are the dominant flavor with slight hints of tart grapefruit. Some earthy, woody, goaty notes give some nice complexity to this beer. The finish has a lot going on with some tart cherry sweetness and some lactic acidity. Linger is moderately lasting and dry with slight peppery notes.

Brouwerij Van Honsebrouck St. Louis Gueuze Fond Tradition (93)

Upfront mild earthy and spicy pepper character swells to a sharp lactic high point with spice notes hitting in the dry finish. Light pineapple, touch of cherry and plum, light caramel after-taste. Sharp tartness and acidity lingers, but subdued enough for subtle apricot and pineapple notes to peek through.

The Rare Barrel Across the Sea (2017) (93)

Definitely rocks the gose thing. Lemon tartness is mild but pleasant. Huge coriander here, but doesn’t get all woody, sharp, or astringent the way that overdone coriander can be. Tart finish offers the strongest bit of briny salt. Salt lingers from there, like a spicy margarita.”

West Sixth Brewing Co Tart Cherry Crumble (93)

“Cherry-pie nose replete with crust, vanilla, and touch of cherry milkshake. The sip isn’t as sickly sweet as the nose suggests; tart cherry does the heavy lifting, while more aromatic notes fade into the background. A drinkable strategy for the style.”

Omnipollo Even More Bianca (93)

“Woody berry with vanilla/marshmallow high notes; brown-sugary sweetness. Sip is pure dessert smoothie—thick, but with clever earthiness behind a punchy-berry acidic front. Layers of brown sugar, churro, roasted marshmallow. Tannic punchy-berry finish scrubs the sweetness.”

Uhl’s Brewing Co Raspricot Shleemies (93)

“Beautifully integrated nose weaves clever hops with berry and stone fruit, blending seamlessly and hiding the edges. The sip pushes the berry agenda, as lightly bitter, tropical hops sweep away an initial sweet hit.”

Aurora Ale & Lager Stay Out of Malibu! (93)

“Pungent and spicy red-fruit nose with a bit of herbal bite. Fun, with layers to dig through. The sip is sweet with a strong smoothie vibe, but the punchy sour-fruit notes and touch of herbal dryness give it a cocktail complexity.”

Two Roads Brewing Co Persian Lime Gose (93)

“Earthy lime on the nose. A rather intense burst of citrus acidity in the sip is highlighted by effervescent carbonation. Finishes with a pleasant, semisweet, lingering citrus.”

Anderson Valley Briney Melon Gose (93)

A lactic tartness hits up front followed by some melon-fruit sweetness that helps to balance and cut through the acidity. The acidity and melon sweetness carry through the light and sweet finish. The saltiness only adds to the melon sweetness, which transitions to a medium-sour finish.

Speciation Artisan Ales Saltation (93)

Complex tropical fruity tartness, though not overpowering. The salt on the finish adds a nice mineral softness and cuts the puckering quality of the sourness. Not much in the way of barrel character, but maybe a slight tannic dryness at the end.

Area Two Experimental Blood Peach (93)

"A rich candied peach nose is braced by an immediate and present, but characterful, peach flavor and a burnt brown-sugar base. The strong malt supports the intense fruit character."

Black Project OXCART (2018) (93)

"Light black tea and lemon lay over a mild mineral funk, but its power is in its restraint. Expressively deep and confident in its complexity."

The Rare Barrel There Are Rules (93)

Moderately sour up front with big peach sourness. A classic wild beer that tastes spontaneously fermented, with the focus on the wild bugs and less on the fruit. Juiciness from apricots and peaches, with some raspberry notes to follow. The lactic acidity is medium, with light vinegar in the background. Medium body with lots of carbonation keeps the beer refreshing and dry.

Wiley Roots Brewing Company Blood Orange Gose (93)

The orange is present but not overly sweet, with hints of raspberry, pear, pineapple, and apple notes that are supported by a tartness that helps to enhance the other flavors. The salty character is nice, the tartness is light, and the carbonation is good with a refreshing finish. Good complexity of complementary flavors.

Wicked Weed Dark Arts (93)

Intense boozy sweetness, with strong molasses, brown sugar, and slight burned sugar notes. Fruity raisin and plum esters hide behind the cane sugar. The yeast character is almost Belgian—it’s difficult to nail down, but it’s nice—and the Brett characters aren’t evident in the taste … just the slightest hint of funk. Hints of toasted bread and bread crust with vanilla.

To Øl Gose to Hollywood (93)

Moderate fruity lemon tart up front with light grapefruit mango and raspberry. Light bitterness toward the end of the taste and finishes with a light sour note. The moderate carbonation plays well with the sourness creating a nice level of complexity. Crisp and refreshing.

Funkwerks Kriek (93)

"Foregoes cheap cherry thrills for a grounded tannic and cherry pit, almost almondy depth. Compelling."

Evil Twin Nomader Weisse (93)

The tartness up front is bold with some nice big white grape acidity and lemon-like tartness—nice balance of the acidity and fruity notes of tropical fruits and mango. Very little carbonation—a bit could help the balance. The beer finishes clean and refreshing through the taste.

Great Notion Blueberry Muffin (93)

Moderate sour with big blueberry muffin sweetness that’s kept in check by the acidity and carbonation. The base beer is simple, with a clean primary (not kettle) fermentation that’s clean and neutral. The bready sweetness carries the assertive blueberry flavor, and the tartness comes through more in the finish.

Amalgam Landscapes (Orchard Blend) (93)

"Funky, sulfury, petrichor, peachy nose. On the palate, a mineral spiciness provides structure for a non-sweet peach-jam flavor that's intensely fruit-forward. Young, it sacrifices Brett funk at the altar of fruit—let it age, then enjoy."

Off Color Brewing Yuzu Fierce (93)

“Alternating waves of funky green citrus and a prickly pear–like minty fruit note. Sip is richly fruit-forward but in the least predictable way—dry honeydew and cantaloupe with a slightly sharp acid underpinning. Quirky, unexpected, satisfyingly hooky.”

Vista Brewing Grato (93)

"Cotton candy-esque nose with light bubblegum defies expectations. The sip is more subdued, thankfully, with richer plum notes defined by a light and bright acidity."

Black Project Spontaneous and Wild Ales Kilter (93)

"Bold raspberry is highlighted by a hit of vanilla. Softly acidic, gently carbonated, fruit-forward, reasonably complex."

Jester King Brewery Colour Five (94)

The heavy blueberries almost instantly dry out, leaving just a subtle amount of light malt and just a bit of funk. To call this beer dry would be an understatement. The fruit character, though pleasant, is gone as soon as it arrives as the bitterness and esters overpower it.

Almanac Beer Co Valley of the Heart’s Delight (94)

Bold tart kick in the front with lemon and acidic tartness. The apricots come through and provide some sweetness but sit behind the lactic character in this beer. High carbonation level helps to finish this beer nicely. Tastes more like cooked apricot (apricot pie maybe) than fresh fruit.

Brouwerij Oud Beersel Oude Gueuze Vieille (94)

Big peach, moderate apricot, citrus notes of lemon, orange, pink grapefruit, and pineapple. Moderately high acidity, slight lemon-zest bitterness, and a long tail of peach. High carbonation gives it a champagne-like character. Acidity and tartness struggle a bit to compete with some of the subtle citrus and pineapple fruit notes. Finish is rather dry.

Lost Abbey Ghosts in the Forest (94)

Moderately sweet and rich with well-balanced sourness. Light stone fruit esters as well as a touch of dark cherry and orange play well off of the acidity. Finishes with medium tartness and a touch of graininess.

Great Notion Brewing XL Jammy Pants (94)

“Hefty, with a sturdy berry nose, it teases excessive sweetness but delivers something richer—red-wine and berry tannin play against the sugar and acid to create a robust and piquant sip you’ll want to explore.”

Cerebral Brewing Ultra Modern (94)

“A gorgeous, almost cucumber-crisp nose sets a refreshing tone. The sip pushes more of that watermelon/cucumber-crisp definition, with subtle, sweeter tropical-fruit notes atop the palate. Fully embraces the intense flavor expectation, but remains articulated and thoughtful.”

The Rare Barrel Bellatrix (94)

The moderate acidity in the aroma is more prevalent in the flavor. A nice clean lactic sourness is predominant, but a touch of acetic makes the moderate juicy blackberry character really pop. The sourness lingers for a while, making this a beer to sip rather than heavily indulge. A nice <em>Brett</em> barnyard complexity and pleasant malt rises over time.

Yeast of Eden Native Ghosts (94)

"Bright funk and mild orange and grapefruit sweetness. It's not as brutal on the mineral funk note as some Belgians, but that top note is there, fortified by a gentle citrus sweetness that makes for a rounded whole."

The Libertine Brewing Co. Stocking Stuffer (94)

Pronounced tart cherry sweet and sourness that’s balanced with stone-fruit flavors—apricot, plum, and pluot. A touch of malt complexity with a healthy amount of funk add to the experience. The barrel is restrained, adding just enough spiciness to add depth. Nice warming chocolate roast character in the back, with a woody character that’s earthy and lingering.

Crooked Stave Mama Bear's Sour Cherry Pie (94)

"Cherry and lime on the nose with a hint of cucumber, curry, burnt toast, and strong tannic wood notes. On the sip, the acidity is bracing with lime and cola notes."

Monday Night Pervasive Species (94)

"Attractively fruity hops on the nose present a citrusy character with some moderate funk. On the sip, acidity is controlled and the citrus constrained, yielding a nicely balanced pale sour."

Funkwerks Dry Hopped Provincial (94)

Strong citrus notes up front with strong grapefruit, lemon, and lime from the hops, and tropical fruit. The earthy funk from the hops leans toward pine and resin and adds complexity without being distracting. The aftertaste is a bit grassy with a touch of lemongrass and apricot at the tail end.

The Rare Barrel In Other Words (94)

Rich, vinous dark fruits quickly give way to intense acidity, which isn’t overly harsh or overwhelming. The sour notes are funky and tart, cutting the sweetness. High carbonation takes the tartness just a little too high, but the overall effect is very dry and not overly harsh. The finish is light lactic, with low sweetness and a moderate tartness.

Societe Brewing Company The Savage (94)

Lots of earthy, musty, leathery, barnyard funk followed by pie cherries and toasty malt. Moderate sweetness supports the fruit. High carbonation. Some vanilla qualities. Rich toasted character from the malt in the base beer supports the barnyard character well, blending caramel, leather, and horse blanket. The cherry character plays a supporting role. It is sweet and fleshy with just a slight tartness.

Nachez Brewing Cronyism (94)

Peach, nectarine, lychee, apricot, and fairly sour and tart, but not much funk. Neutral aromas of oak and tannin with a bready, malty mouth-coating finish. There are hints of lemon oil, lightly floral, and a dry, crisp finish where the sour builds with each sip.

Cascade Brewing Kentucky Peach (94)

Quite acidic, sour, and tart. Peach, green apple, pear. Minimal funk. Wine-like dryness. Vanilla/caramel oak that is a bit astringent/woody. The wild flavors are fun and complex, and the dryness on the finish really enhances the fruit and builds on the peach aftertaste.

Lindemans Oude Gueuze Cuvee Rene (94)

"A strong mineral funk on the nose of wet slate and shoe rubber gives way to a bright and effervescent lime citrus funk on the sip that's incredibly dry. It's weirdly compelling and thoroughly unique."

Cascade Brewing Peche Fume (94)

"A mildly phenolic nose echoes a fruity scotch, while the taste is less smoke and more toasted or baked peach. The lower intensity of the peach adds a rich sophistication."

Great Divide Brewing Co. Strawberry Rhubarb Sour (94)

Surprising! Clean strawberry flavor with a light follow-up of rhubarb. Jolly Rancher candy notes and a medium hops bitterness that add underlying citrus and herbal. The pie crust notes are apparent which makes sense given the ingredients. Quite dry.”

Allagash Brewing Co. Coolship Red (94)

"Fresh berries off the vine, leaves and all, punctuate the nose for a bright and herbal approach. The sip is rich tannic fruit with a medium-sharp acidity, just a bit of wood, and bright, quick finish."

Sun King Brewery Leap Year (94)

"Faint strawberry on the nose combines light juicy fruit with a touch of phenol. The sip is overly sharp, with an assertive fruity acidity that overwhelms any subtle aspects of the beer."

DeStihl Brewery St. Dekkera Reserve: Pomme (95)

White wine grape and sharp lemony sourness. Slight vanilla note and touch of coconut sweetness extends into the linger. Malt character is outrageously complex and well-balanced. The fruit is very subdued with notes of passion fruit. High sour notes create a bite and puckering. After it warms, there is a plum and soy sauce–like notes.

Vanberg & DeWulf LambickX Oude Kriek (95)

Moderate cherry note with very little sweetness and a hint of spice. The beer has a nice drying character after the start with some subtle tartness that’s mild but cleansing. Moderate carbonation is well-balanced with the tartness, and the linger is not too dry or too sweet. The acidic tartness helps to finish the beer out with a nice carbonation that leaves the beer a little warming.

Allagash Brewing Company Nancy (95)

Crisp and sour, it’s tart, but not too tart. Strong carbonic bite plus notes of lemon, orange, and even some sharp pineapple flavor. Cherry as it warms. Funky <em>Brett</em> and barnyard-like notes mix with a medium tartness. Just the right amount of carbonation to carry the complex flavors. Slight salty, lime notes after the sip. The tartness hits more in the finish and stays at the top of the tongue.

Firestone Walker Brewing Company Feral One (95)

Present, but restrained, sourness with a generous serving of <em>Brett</em> fruitiness (more fruity than funky). Moderate peach and pear with a touch of pineapple, lemon or lemongrass notes. Barely there bitterness supports a light, slightly caramel malt body that carries sour and fruit well. The aftertaste has a crisp acidity, touch of sweetness, and fruit notes that linger quite some time.

Brouwerij Girardin Gueuze 1882 (95)

The layers in this beer change through the experience. Orange peel bitterness and sweetness give a fruity and tart character to the beer without being too sweet. Brett funk is mostly farm-like and earthy and pairs nicely with the acidity. Nice acidity up front with pineapple, peach, and lemon-zest notes. Light malt character with a bit of rhubarb bite on top of leathery under- tones. Carbonation was just right.

Creature Comforts Curious 10 (95)

Moderate sourness up front with a medium fruitiness of raspberries, lemons and cherries. Light barnyard flavor is downplayed by a light underlining sweetness.

Three Taverns Fortunatus (95)

There’s an interesting malty richness to this beer that plays off of the moderate sourness and strong ester profile. The same fruit esters are present on the tastebuds that are on the aroma. The combination of these make the beer somewhat jammy. An interesting rhubarb character appears on the finish.

Roaring Table Brewing Whirlycaster (95)

“Raspberry-syrup nose gets herbal highlights from judicious hops, like a raspberry Ricola. The flavor continues the herbal-berry swing, with the herbal element drying the finish despite significant up-front sweetness.”

Wolf's Ridge Brewing Moscow Nights (95)

“Bright pop of cucumber in the aroma settles into spicy ginger. Crisp and weightless on the palate, with body more from mineral content than malt. Beautiful balance of lightness and flavor.”

The Bruery Tart of Darkness (95)

Lots of tartness and acidity, both lactic and acetic, with just a bit of Brett-like funk and notes of white bread. Not much caramel or chocolate malt flavor or character. Stout roast character is washed away by the obvious mixed bug sour. Tannic wood character is beautifully balanced with the cherry fruit flavors.

Funkwerks Apricot Provincial (95)

Assertive lactic tartness and acidity emerge up front, with flavors of lemon and lime, reminiscent of a Lemon Warhead. The stone-fruit and pear flavors play a background role and add complexity, which works with the light body to balance the level of acidity. The acidity dissipates quickly, leaving a dry malt sweetness in the aftertaste.

Casey Dry Hopped Oak Theory (Nelson) (95)

Strong ripe peach with white grape. Low sweetness into intense sourness that slowly fades into the finish. Despite the intensity of the acidity, it’s not harsh. The hops character enhances the fruity sourness, adding some citrus notes. The finish is bracing, but overall complex, balanced, and intriguing.

Tallgrass Brewing Co. One-Eyed Jacques (95)

Bright yeasty prune esters and a white pepper phenolic dominate but still showcase the roast. Banana and clove, with star anise, black licorice, and a touch of floral spice. Lime and lemon citrus notes. The coffee and dark caramel character comes through as it warms.

Adelbert's Brewery Raspberry Sour (95)

Rich, tart berry esters, especially lots of blackberry and raspberry. The raspberry has a cooked quality and is rich, tart, and slightly short of ripe. The sweetness from the malt and the fruits supports the sourness—it’s like a Pop-Tart with a hint of lemon. The <em>Brett</em> character is stronger here, with notes of leather and woodiness, along with the funk. Bright floral notes shine through, along with more of the complex esters.

Perrin Brewing Co. Lazarus Sour (95)

"A soft and subtle golden sour with tame acidity and a compelling white-wine character that's medium-dry. Layered with an unexpected complexity."

Boulevard Hibiscus Gose (95)

A well-balanced Gose that’s tart without being too tart. The slight salty character adds a refreshing balance to the residual sweetness and lemony tartness. The carbonation helps with the light sour and herbal note at the end of the sip.

Odell Brewing Onolicious (95)

Taste is well telegraphed by the aroma, with all of the flavors presented in the aroma coming out just as strongly in the taste. A touch of banana-like esters. A back-end acidity is almost an afterthought to the heavy tropical-fruit notes. A pleasant sweetness heightens the fresh fruit character and balances the acidity.

Upslope Tropical Fruit Sour (95)

The fruit comes together really well. The sourness is a great mix of fruit tartness with underlying fermentation character; the passion fruit adds brightness; and the guava adds some body and a hint of floral character. The finish is relatively light. Very pleasant tart character without rough edges. Beer qualities are an afterthought, just enough to keep it from being thin.”

New Image Brewing Apricot & Peach Maceration (95)

“Outrageously strong stone-fruit in the nose. The sip isn’t as sweet as expected, but the thickness and body from the fruit make for a luscious experience.”

Urban South Brewery Tangerine Pop (95)

“Subtle, brackish, vaguely citrus nose leads into a sip with a bright, juicy punch of tangerine acidity, softened slightly by light malt body. Invigorating in its boldness.”

10 Barrel Brewing Co. Crush Cucumber Sour (95)

“Sharply defined sweet cucumber notes echo watermelon with a slight hint of lemongrass. The beer itself is nicely structured, with an initial hit of lactic lemony acidity, light malt, and quick finish that cleanses the palate for the next sip.”

Sonder Brewing Cuvee #1 (95)

"Peach and apricot with a touch of red wine, oak tannin, bread crust. The sip is gorgeously expressed soft stone fruit (more peach and apricot). Light, fruity, fun mimosa sour."

Area Two Experimental Brewing Hexotic 2019 (95)

"The tropical smoothie nose (mango, passion fruit, guava) suggests a less rigorous beer, but the sip keeps it honest with a subtle funk that echoes the more complex notes in the fruits themselves."

Cerebral Brewing Common Ancestry (95)

"Light lemony peach nose captures the culture and fruit in equal measure, with a refreshing yeast undertone. The sip starts strong with a bright low acidity, before the fruit morphs into a chalky and lightly acetic finish."

Side Project Coexpressionalism Kriek (95)

"Deep, rich, remarkably clear almond and cherry notes sell the kriek ideal. The sip is gorgeous—exquisite balance of grounded funk, fruit sweetness, and acidity. Distinctive."

Exile Beatnik Sour (95)

Strong sourness that lingers for quite some time, as well as some assertive mineral flavors that are accentuated by the carbonation. Moderate sweetness from the fruity raspberry and light grapefruit (without the sour) that has a light, pithy finish. A light salty character adds to the beer. Finishes clean and refreshing.

The Rare Barrel Ensorcelled (96)

Strong berry with light acidity, moderate-to-strong tannins, and a bit of barrel character (coconut, oak tannin). The wild character comes through nicely as lactic acid, with woody and earthy notes. Slight malt note with a touch of caramel and a sweetness in the aftertaste that plays with the sour in a nice way. Love the deep fruit notes.

Goose Island Beer Company Lolita (96)

Flowers first with delicate berry notes, moderate jammy notes and acidity, some sweet malt, light lemon zest, and big raspberry. Fruit tannins and acidity help balance the sweetness. Just enough bitterness to round things out with some <em>Brett</em> in the aftertaste. Light tannic notes add structure and support fruit and sour notes. High tartness with a slight “fresh hops” note.

The Lost Abbey Red Poppy Ale (96)

Light lactic sourness, moderate acidity, and a light floral character. Fruity notes of fig and cherry and some oak. Herbal notes reminiscent of pumpkin pie spices. Light body with a moderate carbonation that supports the sour notes. High sourness with a slight chocolate (?) note that continues slightly into the linger. Moderately high acid sharpens the whole thing. Subtle sweetness when you look for it.

Vanberg & DeWulf LambickX De Troch (96)

Bold lactic tartness hits up front with strong lemon and orange. Spiced character and earthy, funky Brett character supports the fruit. Nice carbonation level. While there’s some tartness, it’s fairly softened by age—main flavor is a very nice earthy barnyard. A bit like drinking a margarita given the flavor profile of mostly tart citrus. Dry and lingering acidity.

Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project Flor D'Lees (96)

Initial high tartness with a slight tea, herbal note that transitions into a smooth, creamy aftertaste. Hops bitterness is very low and doesn’t clash with sourness. Moderate citrus notes, similar to lime. As it warms the citrus becomes more grapefruit and lingers a bit in the aftertaste. Finishes dry with very little residual sweetness on the back of the tongue. Funk is more subtle in the flavor compared to the aroma. Aftertaste is medium lasting and is more herbal than anything.

Destihl Counter Clockweisse (96)

Tart and tangy, with moderate esters to give it a dry, tart cherry character. And at the same time, it’s also a bit lemony with a hint of vinegar. The acidity lingers just enough without becoming unpleasant, with a mild astringency with a touch of leather that seems mostly tied to the acidity. Very little malt or hops character, and the finish is tart and dry, but surprisingly crisp.

Societe The Thief (96)

Wonderful soft lactic tartness up front that transitions to a grainy malt note and finishes with dry white wine character. Hints of oak, tannin, and peach on the finish. Very faint buttery note on the swallow blends with the sour well.

Cascade Brewing Framblanc (96)

Leathery and Brett-funky maltiness and aged hops flavors. Tart and slightly sour raspberry works well within the funk. Slight stone-fruit notes. Slightly acidic with neutral oak tannins. Crisp carbonation enhances the tartness of the raspberry and the Brett-derived funk. Pretty puckering on the finish, but that’s offset a bit with some tannic bitterness.

450 North Brewing Company @ Simmons Winery Slushy XL- Pink Peach Rings (96)

“Nose of those hard-then-chewy watermelon candies—gloriously over-the-top, yet nostalgically satisfying. A surprisingly toothy sip channels peach flesh with a hefty sweetness that feels grounded in actual fruit. Acidity lingers, once the sweetness wears off. Candy-like, but in the best possible way.”

Finback Brewery Rhythm of Existence (96)

“Earthy funk meets tropical pleasure in the nose. The sip is beautifully structured to avoid fruit-juice clichés, with light juice layers and a hint of sweetness buttressed by a spicy and earthy foundation. Quirky and endearing.”

Radiant Beer Co Baby Flamingo (96)

“Frothy pink head on a vibrant magenta body. Nose mixes dry tropical fruit with a tea-like note. The flavor presents similar contrasts, as indulgently sweet tropical notes play against light lemon acidity and earth.”

Girdwood Brewing Company Funkberry Pie (96)

“Toasty berry-peach-cobbler nose, crust and all. The sip is rich and intense without veering too sweet, as sharper berry notes meet softer stone fruit with a bit of vanilla-like roundness. Bold but welcoming.”

Cape May The Top Sail (96)

Complex sourness, though not overly aggressive. Grainy malt, lemon tartness that persists with spicy fermentation notes. Moderately dry finish, really interesting on the swallow.

New Belgium Brewing Clutch (96)

Smoky malt character, with an appropriate tartness. Lots of coffee and chocolate notes, pronounced roast, with an almost sooty note. Bread crust and melanoidins are present throughout, especially as it warms. Nice fruity esters—pear, cherry, and raisin—with a sour cherry lime flavor at the back end. A bit thin on the body for a stout, yet flavorful, and somewhat dry in the finish.

Springdale See You in the Pit (96)

"A sweaty, funky nose screams locker-room, and an intense acidity is amplified by the tart fruit. Brash and bold."

Upland Brewing Company Iridescent (96)

Moderate ginger up front with a touch of apricot in the background. The ginger adds a nice spiciness and earthiness, with the apricot bringing in juiciness and a touch of sweetness. Earthy notes, perfume, stone fruit, and spice give it an herbal-tea quality. Moderate carbonation and medium body highlight the ginger.

Avery Brewing Co. Apricot Sour (96)

Intensely fruity, and the apricot jumps out right out at first and then is supported by the sour acid. The fruit and lactic play well together, allowing the richness of the apricot to shine through, leading to a juicy mouthfeel that’s cut by the acidity. Plenty of cherry and pineapple esters.

Dry Dock Sour Apricot (96)

Very juicy, with overpowering fruit flavors—mostly apricot, but with moderate banana and pear. Moderate lemon-rind acidic notes are between lactic and malic and are enough to balance the sweetness. There’s a light touch of wheat and very light noble hops note, with mouth-filling carbonation, and a lingering fruity aftertaste.

Toolbox Cucumberliner (96)

The cucumber flavor is very present throughout the taste. It’s light, crisp, and refreshing, and provides a light sweetness. Behind the flavor sits a nice tartness that adds a defining note. The moderate carbonation at the end of the sip plays up the sourness and helps the cucumber flavor persist throughout the finish.

Two Roads Brewing Co. Tanker Truck Passion Fruit (96)

“Passion fruit and light minerality in the nose, with a bit of tropical funk from the fruit. Sip teeters on the edge without going full-sweet, stopping short of full-on smoothie and keeping its beer soul.”

New Terrain Brewing Co. Walk in the Parfait (96)

“Sweet on the nose with a vague yet sweet strawberry-lemon note that’s immediately engaging. Sip is not as overpoweringly sweet as the nose suggests. Accessibly decadent.”

Garage Brewing Co. Black Currant Gose (96)

“Spartan nose offers light berry notes and salty undertone, but the sip brings an explosion of fruit—rich, sweet, tart currants make for a luxurious mouthfeel. A deft hand is at work here, balancing sweet and tart, pushing texture without cloying.”

Creature Comforts Yonah Skins (96)

"Impossibly light pink grapefruit and light grape nose. A spritzy sip prickles with carbonation, but the acidity is no more than a quick brief hit before it settles into a lingering dry sparkly rosé finish."

Urban Artifact Triceratops (96)

"Deep berry liqueur with bold earthy and tannic notes supporting. The sip is semisweet raspberry with an acidic angle that feels fruit-derived. Beer inevitably gets lost with this much fruit."

TRVE Brewing Co. Halfway There (96)

"Soft, woody Brett notes support a strong floral and white-peach burst. Only mildly tart on the sip, allowing floral hops notes to push forward, with only a bit of bright acidity behind it."

Lone Pine Brewing Dark Truce (Cherries) (96)

"Rich imperial brown–ale nose with the faintest glimpse of cherries, but the fruit presents more significantly in the sip. Rustic and warming with a toothy body that provides great structure for the acidity."

Cascade Brewing The Vine (97)

Grape and tart lactic flavor, with some muskiness. The moderate tartness transitions into a medium grape note. Nice grape character with acidic lactic tartness. Very high carbonation with high alcohol adds to warmth in the finish.

Brouwerij Oud Beersel Framboise (97)

I was expecting sweetness from the aroma, but there is none. Big jammy blackberry, light acidity, slight black pepper notes, almost black currant. Good raspberry dry notes up front that are not long lasting. Moderate carbon- ation plays well with fruit characters. As it warms there is a little sweetness with a touch of herbs toward the end of the sip. Nicely attenuated dry body. Funky earthy notes play a supporting role.

Odell Brewing Company Friek (97)

“Multiple Kriek-style ales are fermented with wild yeast and tart cherries, then moved into oak barrels. We add raspberries just before the final blending. Sweet and tart flavors mingle with a sparkling dry finish.”

Firestone Walker Brewing Company Agrestic (97)

“Toasted oak and lemon pith swirl on the nose and palate, followed by an amazing harmony of vanilla, coconut, Earl Grey tea, and spice. The finish is crisp, with mouthwatering acidity and chewy tannins.”

AC Golden Brewing Company Kriek (97)

Eye-watering tartness that lasts long into the linger. Some sour cherry in the background. The lactic lemon tartness carries through this beer from the start to the finish. Some subtle sweet cherry notes sit behind the lactic tartness while the carbonation helps provide a little warmth in the finish.

Badger State Brewing Company Tiki Tom Singapore Sling (97)

“Sharper pineapple notes layer over sweeter cherry with a burst of citrus brightness. In the sip, that pineapple pushes forward with an undeniably sweet juicy character. A bit under-carbed, but cocktail-like.”

Bend Brewing Co Ching Ching (97)

“Bright pomegranate nose without funky distractions. In the sip, a relatively dry approach, with clearly expressed fruit and gorgeous color. Punchy, without leaning on sweetness to sell it.”

Pontoon Brewing Company Franken Smiggles (97)

“An ultimate feat in absurdity—or a nostalgic romp through childhood for Millennials and Gen Xers. The nose is Franken Berry cereal, complete with crackery malt note and vanilla sugar. The sip is sickly sweet, but it conveys the aroma’s promise without falling completely into cloy. Deeeee-licious.”

Firestone Walker Agrestic (2019) (97)

"A sweet, woody, tannic, berry nose with notes of sherry and lighter red-wine grape flows into a sip that echoes orange wines—tannic, rich, and a bit sweet with everything from grape skin to tropical fruit and citrus."

Prison City Run Like an Apricot (97)

Juicy sweet and tart apricot. Noticeable but well-balanced tartness, sourness, and slight funk. Bready malt characteristics as the fruit and tart fade. Subtle oaky tannins. Slight vanilla and caramel. It tastes like a fruity habanero.

Upland Brewing Oak Timbre (97)

"Bracing and sharp, the aroma of burnt toast with its alluring mix of sweet breadiness and meaty phenols layered on the most mild of fruity berry characters offers an interesting juxtaposition that balances fruit and beer."

The Lost Abbey Veritas Peach (97)

Subtle peach followed by lemon tartness and malty sweetness. A tiny bit of cinnamon flavor really complements the peaches. Great balance. Finishes pretty dry but still allows the sweetness of the fruit to come through.

TRVE Brewing Company Axioma (97)

"Phenolic smoke and tire rubber dominates the nose like a peaty Scotch, with some citrus fruit undertones that soften the intensity. The sip is strangely subtle by comparison, and the lower carbonation offers an experience akin to Grand Cru Bruocsella."

Wicked Weed Brewing Angel of Darkness (97)

Dark cherry and blackberry are at the forefront along with blueberry and currant. Wine-like esters accent the tartness and tannins, and the toasted richness suggests a darker base beer. Strong nuttiness, with some earthy complexity. A touch of alcohol warmth and phenol qualities.

Creature Comforts Brewing Co. Athena Paradiso (97)

“Big funky guava and passion-fruit notes offer an overripe, intensely aromatic hit. Engaging without pandering. The sip is restrained relative to the aroma, without the expected sweetness.”

Decadent Creamery Blackberry Sorbet Gose (97)

“It may seem strange to celebrate how simple and straightforward the blackberry presents on the nose, but in an environment where brewers are doing everything they can to add complexity to beer, sometimes less is more.”

10 Barrel Brewing Co. Crush Raspberry Sour (97)

“A natural raspberry nose—soft and grounded—gives way to a bright sip with a bracing burst of lactic acidity, gently supported by tannic and sweet fruit notes. The perfect perception of sweetness in an otherwise dry beer.”

Speciation Artisan Ales Laurentian: Lake Michigan (97)

"Pungent phenol-forward nose plus sharp acidity (and bitterness) in flavor offer an intense experience for those experienced with the oeuvre."

TRVE Brewing Co. Meditation is the Practice of Death (97)

"Beer-forward, not fruit-forward; light funk and faint cherry drive the nose. The sip morphs from an expectation of sweetness into an herbal funk with a hint of cherry. Acidity remains contrite."

Beachwood Blendery Funk Yeah (97)

Gueuzey minerality remains firmly planted with stone fruit, a touch of honey-like malt, and earth. The sip brings stone-fruit clarity with omnipresent funk and slight bitterness. Stunning."

Russian River Intinction Merlot (97)

"Punchy and clean wild fermentation is bright with a savory red-grape note. The tannins offer a drying bite that brings out some of the latent beer bitterness. Finishes bone-dry with a lingering general wine-grape note."

Dogfish Head Festina Peche (97)

Up front the beer hits with a lactic tartness that is immediately followed by a sweet peach fruitiness. The sweetness is there and pronounced but it isn’t cloying like some peach beers are. The peach fruit character carries through the finish with nice carbonation.

Jester King Brewery Bière de Blanc du Bois (98)

Moderate tartness up front with a mix of tart grapefruit, tropical fruit, and white-grape notes. The linger starts with the tartness and then diminishes into a wonderful grape character that is semisweet and very pleasant. The tartness is nice and helps this beer from becoming too sweet. The beer finishes clean with nice grape notes.

Side Project Brewing Blueberry Flanders (98)

Very fruity cherry and vanilla with seriously tart lactic flavor. Blueberry and plum and a rocking bread toast build complexity. Lactic and acetic are well-balanced. High tartness up front with a bittering cherry or lime note that creates a puckering. The linger has a bright fruity sourness that is long lasting.

The Lost Abbey Framboise de Amorosa (98)

Fruit is bright and strong, perhaps dominating the wild notes. Dry finish lets the fruit come through without cloying. Tannins aren’t overly strong and add structure. Initial impression is sharp acidity, but this gives way to a smooth fruit backbone and moderate <em>Brett</em> lemon-zest notes. Cherry notes with a generous serving of tannins and leather make for a delightfully complex palate.

Goose Island Beer Company Juliet (98)

Sweet apricot, pineapple, and light lemon zest balance the moderate acidity. Berry flavors are well placed with moderate fruit tannins and sweaty <em>Brett</em> funk to keep it interesting. No malt or hops, but some honey-like sweetness really helps balance the acid components. Lots of woody and earthy aftertaste. Moderate carbonation plays off the tart sourness.

3 Fonteinen Oude Kriek (98)

The balance of the sweetness to the tartness in this beer is really nice. It is not too bold but the nice sharp lactic notes bring boldness to this beer. The carbonation is really nice and helps lift the beer as well. The sweet cherries help to finish the beer and keep it juicy and sweet. Very nice sour cherry character. Not too much barnyard, but still sour complexity.

The Lost Abbey Veritas 019 (98)

Raspberry flavor is prominent and even more jammy than in the aroma. Very dry. Quite tart, clean, a bit of funk.

Kannah Creek Biere du Framboise (98)

The berry fruitiness is pleasant up front, complemented with a nice malt complexity that includes bread crust, biscuit, and light toast. The moderate berry flavors are accentuated with a touch of <em>Lacto</em> and salt, nuts, and raisin. The malt backbone balances the fruit and tartness, which all linger just enough to remember the flavor.

Fort Collins Brewery Kettle-soured Dark Cherry Red (98)

Big cherry notes, almost cherry pie, with a touch of raisin, date, and almond, and spices of cinnamon and ginger. The complex malt backbone features hints of biscuit and caramel, with bread crust flavors that only enhance the cherry-pie notes. The acidity doesn’t overpower the other flavors but is just enough to accentuate.

Perennial Artisan Ales Suburban Beverage (98)

Assertive sourness on the initial taste, and the lemon citric acid flavors are substantial. Some tropical fruit and stone-fruit notes with a pleasant warming holiday spice, followed by hints of orange marmalade and lemon juice. The saltiness seeps into the finish, and the aftertaste is spicy and full of juicy fruit.

Russian River Brewing Supplication (98)

Oak, red wine grapes, and tannin on those nose with a subtle and dry fruitiness. The sip is bold—not with acidity alone, but with a bright and angular fruit tartness backed with a round and woody fruit bitterness akin to stems or pits that kicks in mid-finish to clearly avoid any cloying fruit character. What's remarkable is how transformative the fruit experience is—forget cherries, this beer becomes something else entirely as the wine barrels and fruit add up to something more nuanced and complex than any sum of the parts."

Epic Brewing Oak & Orchard Rose (98)

"A Jolly Rancher™ nose of candied watermelon and strawberry trend toward the sweeter side, but with enough subtle confidence (and tannic woody backing) to avoid clichés. Flavor-wise, it's round and acid-forward with a balanced sweetness and a bit of brilliant burn (one of those moments where a touch of acetic acid adds the right complex note). But the effervescence helps it resolves quickly into an enjoyable lingering dry fruit note that begs for another sip.

Jolly Pumpkin The Regifted (98)

"Ginger dominates on the nose, and the flavor is far lighter than the ingredient list might suggest. It's not heavy but herbal and bright. Sushi plate meets plum wine."

Crooked Stave Persica 2018 (98)

Quite lactic and peachy. Juicy, almost citrus. Slightly astringent peach skin. Minimal Brett character. Fairly sour, moderately tart. Finish is a bit mouth-coating. The herbal note of more basil with a hint of soy and it’s a little yeasty, but that helps soften the palate. Nice blend of wood, fruit, funk, and tart. Everything is in balance.

10 Barrel Brewing Co. Huckle Bière Grand Cru (98)

There's a rich dark berry and wine-like complexity that reminds me of fighting grizzly bears in northwest Montana for elbow space in a huckleberry patch. Like red wine with dark cherries and blackberry with a bit of toasty and chocolate malt character. Low sweetness, moderate to high acidity. Dry. Sour hits in the swallow and kicks the fruit into the retronasal experience. Mild hint of <em>Brett</em> funk.

Wicked Weed Brewing Black Angel (98)

Dark cherries really come out in the flavor with the vanilla, oak, and whiskey behind it. There's a cherry-cola character to it. Some darker richer malts in the background. Moderate sweetness, moderate-to-high acidity. Lots of body. High carbonation really makes the cherry tartness pop on top of the rich, dark character of the base beer. The roasted chocolate and darker malts blend well with the dark fleshy sweetness of the cherry. It finishes fairly dry with a chocolate-covered cherry quality.

The Veil Brewing Co. VAST: One (98)

"Nutty, woody, tart, sweet cherry nose; interspersed herbal notes. The sip gets an earthier, vinous character bordering on red wine. Rigorous, rustic."

Upland Brewing Oak & Red (98)

"Vanillin and oak tannin, mellow East Coast grapes, and iced pastry dough on the nose. The flavor brings more wood notes with the brief pleasure of grapes that are quickly scrubbed by a sharp tannic note."

Burial Beer Fall of the Damned (2019) (98)

"Big jammy berry notes in the nose—bold leather, burnt bread crust. In the flavor—lightly tannic wood/berry note, restrained acidity, round rich berry, toasty malt—a heady mix of malt and berry that borders on red wine."

New Holland Brewing Company Blue Sunday Sour (99)

Very rich yet refreshing. Moderate acidity (clean and crisp) with a touch of toasted malts and sweetness and big body (for the style). Moderate red wine and big cherry notes. Sourness is present in just the right amount to complement the deep, highly kilned malt notes. Residual earthy and wood notes complement the firm sour base.

Side Project Brewing Blanc de Blancs (99)

Sweet, tart, lactic, and bold. This beer has a strong mouth-puckering lemon tartness that hits in the front and some Brett flavor with slight malt undertones—could be vanilla or oak barrel. The grape notes follow through and sit behind the tartness in this beer. High carbonation adds to the alcohol warmth in the finish.

Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project Origins (99)

Very nice sour flavor—goat and horse blanket. Intriguing tobacco, oak, and mesquite/cedar notes on top of light fruit notes of cherries and figs, with burnt sugars and malt bread in the finish. An earthy, musty cellar flavor. Crisp carbonic complements the lactic flavor with aggressive tartness and slight oakiness. Body has a touch of fruity sweetness but is hidden by the sour.

Jester King Craft Brewery Atrial Rubicite (99)

High tart and raspberry notes up front play with the high carbonation to create an appetizing pucker. Notes of spicy black currant and fruit-skin tannins play against the big jammy notes, with a touch of sweaty horse blanket as it warms. Linger has moderate raspberry notes with no residual sweetness. The warmer it gets, the more the flavors open up.

The Rare Barrel Map of the Sun (99)

Apricot juicy fruit character is present in the front and carries through. Lactic-acidic tartness hits in the middle with a nice kick, but the sweetness of the malt and fruit helps to clean it out in the finish. This is a little more citrus than apricot. The <em>Brett</em> character is delicate and a bit hard to pin down, but adds depth and supports the acidity and fruit very nicely.

Cascade Brewing Apricot Ale (99)

Light <em>Brett</em> bitterness adds complexity. Candied apricot notes along with some berry notes and a bit of spice. A nice lactic tartness provides complexity and balance and accentuates the fruit without stealing the show. Finish is pleasantly balanced between tart and sweet, with fruit throughout.

Allagash Brewing Company Farm to Face (99)

Incredible, delicate peach character, coming through as white peaches or white nectarines, with just a subtle tartness and acidity to balance the huge peach notes and sweetness. Sweetness comes through more from fruit than malt with tons of peach character in the finish.

Side Project Brewing Thicket (99)

Bubbly blackberry juiciness, light jammy and wine notes, with big <em>Brett</em> sharpness. High tartness up front with moderate carbonation to back it up and moderately strong tannins. Tobacco, plums, leather, and berries come together to deliver a firm backbone for the tart notes to follow. The sourness complements but does not overpower the intense fruit flavor.

Russian River Brewing Company Supplication (99)

Lots of fun fruit flavors—pineapple and tropical hops flavors. Acidity is moderate, but assertive. The <em>Brett</em> character makes this beer unusual— high sour notes up front that grow and grow and grow, then diminish, then roar back. There’s a slight sweetness toward the end of the sip and a slight sting from the fruit at the very end of the sip that is unexpected but welcomed.

Perennial Artisan Ales La Bohéme (99)

Moderate acidity with a very well-balanced malt bill. Raspberry complements the acidity with a slight tannic bite. Tiny amount of cherry sweetness right before the carbonic/sour bite. As it warms, there is a slight herbal note. Nice soft lactic flavor with a tiny hint of sweetness that ties the entire beer together with a nice bow. Dry cherries with a wood-type character leave a dry, fruity, lasting linger.

Brouwerij Rodenbach Grand Cru (99)

Flavors of cherry, blackberry, fig, and biscuity malt with a clean lactic sour. The light sourness is well balanced by the round, full-bodied malt character. Lingering sweetness and a dry finish. Some spicy phenolics. Moderate tartness up front that’s mildly fruity. High carbonation with a medium body. Linger is dry with fruity notes and is medium lasting. Acidity is moderately high and balanced by the residual malt character.

The Bruery Rueuze (99)

Moderate tartness up front with stone fruit (plum, peach, apricot, very light cherry), and a moderate Brett earthiness (but not bitter). Rich, complex fruitiness accented by high carbonation. Aftertaste is semidry with very enjoyable lacto sourness that’s balanced by enough malt flavor to create a nice, round impression on the tongue.

Boulevard Brewing Company Love Child No. 4 (99)

High sourness up front with grape, apricot, cherry, and slight plum sweetness. Slow alcohol warming toward the end of the sip that transitions into a medium-lasting aftertaste of alcohol and tart. Medium sweetness complements the high sourness but stays in the background. Good funkiness as it warms up. The finish is balanced, with just enough malt to support the sourness.

Allagash Brewing Company Coolship Resurgam (99)

Multidimensional without being overbearing. Firm, pleasing lactic sourness acts as a backbone to hang multiple flavors. Brett earthiness pro- vides a pineapple-y, horsey complexity that really works well with the sour. Moderate acidity, lemon zest, light pear, and apple. It’s everything you would expect—earthy, woody, wild, and all the components combine to become greater than the sum of the parts.

3 Fonteinen Oude Geuze (99)

Sharp citric sourness up front joined immediately by coconut, pineapple, and mango. Aftertaste is a smooth bitter/sour blend. The coconut twist is a nice surprise. Bold flavor hits up front with fruity sweetness, apricot and peach. High carbonation helps the fruit come to life and provides warmth. The <em>Brett</em> wood character and funk is very present but not overpowering.

Brasserie Cantillon Classic Gueuze (99)

A nice balance between the lactic tartness and sharpness with <br />a funky, earthy character. Citrus sweetness carries in the tartness and has the bitter sharpness of an orange or grapefruit peel. Notes of lemon peel, subtle stone fruit (apricot and peach) and some earthy Brett and spice notes keep everything complex yet grounded. The dry finish accentuates the tartness and Brett character.

Alvarado Street Brewery Hot Pink Sherburps (99)

“A rare beer in the category that nails the duality of fan-pleasing, indulgent sour fruit beer and pensive, layered sipper. The tropical pink-lemonade nose is familiar and suggestive; farther afield, tropical notes work their way into the aromatic conversation. The sip is sweet with a mild citrus-acid element, but as you swallow a guava tartness takes hold alongside tropical bitterness. Like a well-crafted pop song, it’s so catchy that even the most hardened critic can’t stop humming the tune.

New Belgium La Folie 2018 (99)

Sharp acidity up front that quickly gives way to complex dark malt character, with toasted bread crust and sweet biscuit and roasted coffee. The sweet and sour are well-balanced. Finish is a touch musty, with a dry woody character that adds a bit of definition.

Societe Brewing The Swindler (99)

Bright acidity that heightens the beautiful funk complexity. Funk is less horse stables and more fruit orchard. Really nice sour character—hints of lemon, apple, and ripe peach. A soft grainy malt character adds some body and lingers nicely on the swallow. Faint Brett-like woody/smoke character keeps things in balance.

Speciation Artisan Ales Extropian (99)

"Savory and sweet with a peach-pie character and a mild acidity. It's oddly comforting but suitably intriguing at once. The lingering sweet fruit note could use a bit of funk to cleanse the palate, but that doesn't detract from this thoroughly engaging comfort sour."

Dankhouse Feelin' Berry Good (99)

“Berry meets black licorice in this slightly tannic, overtly fruit-forward smoothie sour. The sip is less sweet than the nose suggests, with some strong fruit tannins that keep the refermented fruit honest. Big intense notes that thoroughly satisfy.”

Our Mutual Friend Brewing Co. Contacto (99)

"Green apple and green bark with a grapevine vegetal note. The sip is sharp in both acidity and perceived sweetness, with a lingering funky acetic note. A deep cut for only the most serious rustic fermentation heads."

Cerebral Brewing Single Barrel: 45 (99)

"Gorgeous fruity hops note balances against a light yeasty hit. The sip is light as a feather, with a very light Brett component and more significant wine-barrel fruit and vanilla notes."

American Solera Coolship Roadtrip (99)

"Initial burst of tires skidding on a warm road. Settles into heady mix of peach ring, sour diesel, and bearclaw pastry. Flavor skews toward a mimosa made with Muscadet wine and a splash of orange juice—bright, mineral, medium acidity, and light funky notes that keep it interesting."

3 Fonteinen Oude Kriek (99)

"Deep almond and marzipan cherry pit and rich dark cherry in the aroma with pleasant touches of diesel funk. The sip is dry rich cherry, leather, mushroom, and charred rare steak with a bright and perfectly balanced acidity."

Two Brothers Artisan Brewing Sour Beer #2 (100)

Fruity with pear and tropical fruit notes, plus a bit of cherry, lemon peel, and low oak. Nice lactic sour flavor accented with earthy barnyard followed by a quick twang of acetic sourness. Moderate sour up front that lasts into the linger. Pleasant in its light malt touch. Finish is dry, crisp, with a bit of green apple—almost champagne-like. Body is light. Slight alcohol warmth.

Gueuzerie Tilquin Oude Gueuze (100)

Tons of peach notes along with a nice tartness that carries through. Hints of raspberry along with a subtle citrus note. Fruity notes throughout— orange, lemon, pineapple, and peach. Moderate sharp Brett, moderate acidity, light pepper notes, moderate apricot, light coconut. High carbonation presents all the flavors and aromas

Brouwerij Lindemans Cuvée René (100)

Blend accentuates the fruit notes—big peach and apricot, moderate plum, pear, and tangerine, light pineapple—and the high carbonation gives it definition. Tartness and <em>Brett</em> notes sit in the back with funk that isn’t overpowering. Bright acidity, quickly opens up to tangerine, ginger, and light mango. A light bit of leather and wood softens the edges. Nice lingering dry finish—extremely drinkable.

Beachwood Blendery Coolship Chaos (100)

"More spare and Calvinist in execution, this dry sour presents a wet-concrete funk initially... grapefruit."

Beachwood Blendery Funk Yeah (100)

"An olfactorily stunning funk component makes for one of the best wild and sour beers we've ever sniffed. It's subtle yet complex, mineral yet not overbearing, with layers of citrus and white-wine grape. The sip is similarly balanced with equal parts lambic funk, sweet white grape, and subtle citrus. Seek out at any cost."

Jester King Brewery SPON: Raspberry and Cherry (100)

Moderately sour up front with an even blend of deep cherry and raspberry flavors. The high acidity mellows out into the finish. As it warms, it becomes fruiter and the cherry and raspberry blend more. The earthy funk adds complexity with some wood-like and hay-like notes. The body is just right to carry these flavors through. Finishes with a blend of the fruit notes and funk complexity.