In the extensive array of beverages worldwide, beer takes the top spot. It comes in various types, from traditional brews to the most exotic ones. Sour beer is also enjoying increasing popularity globally. What sets sour beer apart? Well, let’s be honest; sour beers are unique. Beer consumption is all about the experience, and sour beers offer a distinct drinking experience compared to other beers. You can’t help but wonder, aren’t all beers the same? Sour beer is brewed using different yeasts than those used in traditional beers. Nevertheless, it still embraces the same innovations and ancient traditions as other beer varieties.
The History Of Sour Beer
The demand for sour beer in today’s beverage market has driven scientists to conduct further research. In their pursuit, they have discovered new yeasts and bacteria that make this beer one-of-a-kind. The rise of sour beer began with a unique technique called ancient lambic brewing in Belgium. It involves exposing the sweet liquid extract from a grain mash and the wort to an open cask. Here, the wort is exposed to both bacteria and yeast from the brewing room’s surroundings before undergoing fermentation for up to three years. The fermentation now takes place in carefully cleaned wine barrels with minimal oxygen diffusion. This process imparts sherry-like characteristics, reduces bitterness, and adds aromatic compounds that make sour beer even more captivating.
Sour Beer Microbial
Unlike other beers made solely with Saccharomyces yeast (Sacc), sour beer is made using both Brettanomyces yeast and Lactobacillus bacteria. Conventional brewers consider these two elements as spoilage organisms. However, scientists studying sour beer acknowledge that they contribute to the lactic acid that gives it its distinct flavor.
With sour beer gaining wide acceptance in the market today, collaborations between brewers and microbiologists are increasingly being formed. These partnerships aim to discover new brewing yeasts and bacteria that will enhance the drinking experience of sour beer. Sour beer can now be produced in large volumes to meet market demand. Brewers admit that sour beer sells quickly compared to other beer varieties, with sales increasing by 16% this year compared to 2016, and more breweries are gradually entering the industry.
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Making Of Sour Beer
Successful sour beer brewing involves two processes: primary and secondary fermentation. In primary fermentation, the sugar in the wort is fermented into alcohol by an ethanol-producing yeast. The preferred yeast must be kept within a narrow temperature range to produce ethanol, aromatic compounds, and desirable flavors. Secondary fermentation involves the production of organic acids such as lactic acid and acetic acid, which give sour beer its taste. By introducing various bacteria and wild yeasts, a different mix of flavors is created, ranging from fruity and floral to spicy and leathery.
The origins of sour beers can be traced back to Belgium and Germany. Before the idea spread to America, its production was already well underway in these two European countries. However, US brewers have added an interesting twist to the process by incorporating fruits and other ingredients to create more flavors than originally found in Belgian beers, such as Gose, Lambic beer, and Berliner Weisse.
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Lambic Beers
Sour beer was first discovered through spontaneous fermentation by natural yeasts, and this remains true even in the modern world. Sour beer is crafted using these natural microorganisms in brew houses and barrel rooms to give it a local flavor and distinctive character. It is made from unmalted wheat combined with malted barley and aged hops, which contribute essential antibacterial properties. The unfiltered mash sustains the bacteria in the beer after fermentation is complete.
The sweet grain wort is placed in open barrels overnight to cool and collect bacteria and yeast from the surrounding air. Later, the mixture is transferred to larger casks for fermentation, which takes at least one year to achieve the desired level of sourness.
To create different types of sour beer, older and younger lambics are blended. The mixture then undergoes secondary fermentation in bottles, resulting in added depth and effervescence, along with an oak aroma, balanced acidity, and fruity esters. A prime example is fruit lambics, which involve the addition of whole fruits or fruit pulp. The fruit plays a crucial role in balancing the acidity and initiating secondary fermentation.
Sour beer is unique in that it has gone the extra mile to attract people who were not previously enticed by beer. Just like wine, sour beer is prepared using similar criteria of blending, aging in oak casks, and balancing acidity and sweetness. Therefore, if you enjoy meat, cheese, and fruits, then sour beer is a great accompaniment.
Sour beers are light and typically have a dry finish. The science behind their production is becoming less complicated due to the readily available online information. Moreover, they are now being produced with less waste and better consistency, leading to increased sales revenue. They are gaining appeal because they offer the same crisp and refreshing characteristics as fine wine. So, whether you’re tending to your kitchen garden on a hot day or simply relaxing after dinner, sour beer is a fantastic choice of beverage.
