A Guide to Sour Beers: Tart, Tangy & Totally Tasty

I still remember the first time I tried a sour beer. I was expecting something fruity and refreshing — what I got was a face-puckering, lip-smacking surprise that completely rewired how I thought about beer. It wasn’t like anything I’d ever had before. It was sharp, funky, and weirdly addictive… and I loved it.

Since then, we’ve seen sour beers grow from a niche curiosity into a fully-fledged category loved by craft beer fans across the UK — and at Beerhunter, we’re all in. So if you’re curious (or a little cautious), this guide’s for you.

What Actually Is a Sour Beer?

In simple terms, a sour beer is brewed to taste tart, acidic or funky — and it gets that character from wild yeast or friendly bacteria like Lactobacillus and Brettanomyces. That might sound like a science experiment (and honestly, sometimes it is), but the result is a beer that’s bold, complex, and totally unlike your average lager or IPA.

I’ve found sour beers to be a brilliant gateway for wine and cocktail lovers too — they often share the same fruity acidity, dryness, and aroma-driven appeal.

Why We’re Obsessed with Sour Beers

Here’s why I think sour beers are so exciting:

• They break the “beer mould” — every sip is unpredictable

• They often come packed with fruit, herbs, or spices

• They’re brilliant with food — cheese, seafood, desserts, you name it

• They’re great for summer, picnics, and impressing your beer-curious mates

If you’re like me and enjoy drinks with a bit of zing — like kombucha, white wine, or tangy cocktails — you’re probably going to fall hard for sours.

Let’s Talk Styles: Which Sour Beer Should You Try?

There’s loads to choose from, so let me walk you through a few of my personal favourites and go-to styles.

1. Berliner Weisse – Light & Zingy

If you’re new to the sour world, start here. Berliner Weisse is a German-style wheat beer with a gentle tartness. The Mikkeller Danish Ich Bin Raspberry Berliner Sour Ale is a fantastic example — light, fruity, and super refreshing. It’s one I always reach for on a sunny day.

2. Fruited Sours – Juicy & Bold

These are the crowd-pleasers — beers packed with actual fruit that deliver big flavour and beautiful colours. We’ve been loving the Cloudwater Mimosa Breeze Fruit Sour — it tastes like a brunch cocktail in a can. And if you want something a bit cheekier, Sureshot’s “Is That Your Final Answer?” brings a tart tropical twist that’s seriously drinkable.

3. Lambic & Belgian Fruit Beers – Classic & Complex

These are old-school sours, made with wild fermentation and aged over time. If you’re in the mood for something rich and cherry-forward, I’d recommend the Bacchus Kriek Cherry Belgian Beer — it’s been a staff favourite here at Beerhunter for years. Fancy something more tropical? The Floris Passion Fruit is juicy, sweet, and just the right level of tart.

How We Enjoy Sour Beers

We’ve learned a few tricks along the way to help you get the most out of your sour beer experience:

• Chill it, but don’t ice it — cold enough to refresh, warm enough to release aroma

• Use a glass — seriously, the smell is half the fun

• Pair it with food — sours go brilliantly with sharp cheeses, citrusy dishes, or creamy desserts (trust me on this one)

Ready to Give It a Go?

Final thought? Sour beers might sound a little weird at first, but once you’re in… you’re hooked. They’re refreshing, creative, and endlessly surprising — and we think that’s worth celebrating. So grab a can (or a few), and join the sour revolution with us. 🍻

👉 Ready to explore?
Shop our full Sour Beer Collection and find your next tart and tasty favourite.

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If you're curious about what’s in your pint beyond flavour, check out our post on Calories in a Stout Beer — perfect for anyone looking to balance bold taste with smarter choices.