Sour beers aren’t your usual pint. The first sip delivers a tangy punch that might catch you off guard, but that’s what makes them so refreshing and addictive. They have a knack for waking up your taste buds with a crisp, lip-puckering zing that no other beer style can quite match.
What makes them even more exciting is the variety. Some burst with bright fruit flavours like raspberry or mango, while others lean into funky, earthy notes thanks to wild yeast and centuries-old brewing traditions. Rooted in Belgian customs but reimagined by today’s craft breweries, sour beers have become the perfect blend of history, creativity, and flavour.
Whether you’re a seasoned fan or just curious to see what the fuss is about, this list offers you 14 of the best sour beers worth enjoying right now. From classic lambics to bold, contemporary twists, there’s something here for every type of beer lover.
- Style: Fruited Sour Ale
- Origin: USA
- ABV: 5.5%
Sierra Nevada might be best known for their hop-forward pale ales, but Wild Little Thing shows they can shift in a completely different direction. Filled with guava, hibiscus, and strawberry, it’s a fruit-forward sour that’s lively, tangy, and refreshing without becoming face-puckering. Think of it as a gateway sour — bold enough to excite, yet approachable enough for everyone to enjoy.
What makes this one so enjoyable is its drinkability. Some sours can feel heavy or overly acidic, but Wild Little Thing stays light, crisp, and easy to sip. That balance makes it ideal for backyard barbecues, poolside afternoons, or whenever you want something fun with a little extra zing.
And here’s the kicker — it’s affordable and widely available, so you don’t have to hunt down specialty shops just to get your hands on it. If you’re new to sours, this is a fun, accessible starting point.
- Style: Fruited Sour Ale
- Origin: USA
- ABV: 4.5%
Bronx Brewery delivers the tang with their City Island Sour, a beer inspired by the relaxed, coastal atmosphere of New York’s City Island. Full of bright citrus and tropical fruit notes, it achieves that perfect sweet-and-sour balance that makes every sip stand out. It’s tart, refreshing, and just juicy enough to keep you coming back for more.
What makes this sour stand out is its sessionability. At 4.5% ABV, it’s light and easy to sip, making it a natural choice for warm-weather gatherings or casual weekends. It’s the kind of beer that feels at home at a summer picnic, on the beach, or even just relaxing on a balcony after work.
- Style: Session Sour Ale
- Origin: USA
- ABV: 4.9%
Dogfish Head has never been shy about pushing boundaries, and SeaQuench Ale stands out as one of their most inventive brews yet. A mix of kölsch, gose, and Berliner weisse styles, it combines lime, black limes, and sea salt into a tart, citrusy beer that’s as invigorating as a dip in the ocean. Crisp, bright, and briny, it’s a sour that’s perfect for hot days.
What makes SeaQuench unique is its versatility. It’s light enough to enjoy on the beach but complex enough to complement seafood, tacos, or anything with a bit of spice. That zesty lime-and-salt mix keeps you reaching for another can, and it’s no surprise this beer has gained a cult following among sour enthusiasts.
It’s playful, unique, and truly drinkable — the kind of beer that makes you remember why Dogfish Head is considered one of the most innovative breweries in the scene.
- Style: Fruited Sour Ale
- Origin: USA
- ABV: 4.8%
Zesty, crisp, and packed with citrus punch, Lushee Lime is exactly what you’d expect from its name. Bursting with bright lime flavour over a tart, refreshing base, it’s the sour that feels like a splash of sunshine in every sip.
The appeal of this beer lies in its simple approach — it doesn’t overcomplicate things. Instead, it offers a crisp, clean sour with just the right balance of tang and refreshment. Perfect for summer barbecues, beach days, or whenever you’re craving something light with a lively kick.
- Style: Sour Ale
- Origin: USA
- ABV: 5.8%
Bright, tropical, and perfectly tart, Bel Air Sour has become a favourite for those wanting to explore sour beers without feeling overwhelmed. It pours a golden, lively colour, with juicy hints of pineapple, mango, and citrus that make it instantly welcoming.
What makes this sour unique is its balance. The tartness is present, but it is softened by fruit-forward sweetness, making it crisp and refreshing rather than overly puckering. That balance makes it an ideal “intro sour” — one you can hand to a friend who claims they don’t like sour beer and probably win them over.
Easy to find, affordable, and endlessly drinkable, Bel Air Sour is a fridge-friendly choice that works well for both casual weeknights and summer parties. It’s fun, approachable, and exactly the kind of beer that keeps sour enthusiasts coming back for more.
- Style: Fruited Sour Ale
- Origin: USA
- ABV: 5.0%
Tart raspberries take centre stage in Eternal Return, one of the standout sours from Brooklyn’s Threes Brewing. With its deep red pour and vibrant berry aroma, it’s a beer that looks as good as it tastes. The flavour delivers a burst of juicy raspberry balanced by a crisp, tart backbone that keeps things refreshing rather than overly sweet.
A key aspect of Eternal Return’s appeal is its limited seasonal, small-batch production. Each release feels unique, with craftsmanship evident in its intricate flavours. It’s the type of beer to savour slowly, allowing each sip to reveal nuanced layers of fruit and acidity.
For sour fans, Eternal Return Raspberry is both approachable and memorable — juicy enough to please fruit beer lovers, yet complex enough to satisfy serious sour drinkers. It’s proof that a simple fruit like a raspberry, in the right brewer’s hands, can create something truly remarkable.
- Style: Fruited Sour Ale
- Origin: Australia
- ABV: 4.5%
Pouring a striking deep purple with a fresh berry aroma, this sour from Brisbane’s Aether Brewing highlights the best of blackberry. The first sip offers a tart, lip-smacking edge, quickly balanced by juicy sweetness. Bold yet approachable, it’s a beer suited for both casual drinkers and seasoned sour fans.
The blackberry adds depth and richness without feeling heavy, while the crisp acidity keeps it refreshing. Whether you’re sipping it on a sunny afternoon or pairing it with dessert, this sour demonstrates that blackberry deserves more recognition in the brewing world.
- Style: Fruited Sour Ale
- Origin: USA
- ABV: 4.5%
Sippin’ Pretty is one of Odell’s most popular brews, and it’s easy to see why. Brewed with açai, guava, and elderberry, it pours a stunning rosy-pink colour and delivers fruity aromas that prepare the palate for a tart, refreshing sip. It’s lively, bright, and fun without being overly sour, making it accessible for nearly everyone.
The blend of exotic fruits gives this beer a distinctive character. Açai adds a subtle earthiness, guava brings tropical sweetness, and elderberry provides depth — all balanced by a crisp, tangy finish. Each sip feels layered, like a fruit salad with a sparkling twist.
It’s the kind of beer that looks as good as it tastes. Perfect for summer afternoons, picnics, or whenever you want something fruity and refreshing, Sippin’ Pretty is an instant crowd-pleaser that truly lives up to its name.
- Style: Fruited Sour Ale
- Origin: USA (New York)
- ABV: 6.0%
Straight from New York, Evil Twin Brewing has built its reputation for bold, experimental beers, and Even More Daily Servings is a perfect example. Brewed with an almost excessive amount of fruit purée, this sour pours thick and vibrant — often more like a smoothie than a typical beer. Expect explosive waves of berries and tropical fruit with a tart, refreshing edge that keeps things lively.
The acidity gives it that puckering sour kick, while the natural sweetness of the fruit rounds out the flavour, making each sip bold but balanced. It’s juicy, tangy, and layered, the kind of beer that surprises you in the best way.
This feels like it was designed to create a dramatic scene — vibrant, playful, and ready to break the rules. It’s a true New York sour: bold, inventive, and full of character, showing that beer can be as adventurous as the city it comes from.
- Style: Sour Brett Tripel
- Origin: USA
- ABV: 9.5%
Take a classic Belgian-style tripel, introduce some Brettanomyces yeast, and you end up with one of the boldest sours on the market. Victory Brewing’s Sour Monkey is tart, fruity, and funky, yet still maintains the smooth drinkability that made their Golden Monkey a fan favourite. At 9.5% ABV, it’s no lightweight, but the layers of flavour make that strength almost dangerously easy to overlook.
This beer stands out with its vibrant lemon and citrus flavours complemented by a dry, champagne-like finish. The Brett character introduces an earthy, slightly wild note, transforming a classic tripel into a bold, adventurous brew full of character. Complex, refreshing, and intense, it keeps your palate engaged from the first sip to the last.
This is the kind of sour you sip slowly, allowing each taste to unveil a bit more depth. Bold and playful at the same time, Sour Monkey shows that even established breweries can take risks — and absolutely succeed.
- Style: Cucumber Sour Ale
- Origin: USA
- ABV: 5.0%
- Pack Size: 6 x 355ml
- Price: USD $13
Few beers deliver refreshment quite like Crush Cucumber Sour. The crisp cucumber flavour cuts through with a cooling effect, while the tart citrusy base keeps things lively and bright. It’s light, invigorating, and instantly makes you think of warm days with a cold drink in hand.
Instead rather than piling on complex layers, this sour keeps things clean and simple — and that’s its strength. The cucumber gives it a spa-like freshness, making it a perfect choice for afternoons by the pool, easy sipping at a BBQ, or whenever you’re after a beer that’s as refreshing as it is unique.
- Style: Fruited Sour Ale
- Origin: Australia
- ABV: 4.6%
Pink Galah immediately captures attention with its vibrant blush-pink pour, a colour that sets the stage for the tropical fruit flavours inside. Brewed with guava and dragonfruit, it’s bright, juicy, and tangy, offering a refreshing sip that feels both playful and unique.
The true appeal lies in the balance. The fruit offers a natural sweetness, while the sour base provides just enough tartness to keep it crisp and lively. It’s approachable and fun, yet still engaging enough to satisfy sour fans who crave more than just a fruit bomb.
Light-bodied and easy to drink, Pink Galah is a beer made for sunny afternoons, social gatherings, or simply adding a splash of colour to your fridge. It’s a tropical sour that manages to be both stylish and sessional — a winning combination.
- Style: Flanders Red Ale
- Origin: Belgium
- ABV: 6.0%
When it comes to sour beer heritage, Rodenbach’s Grand Cru is a top contender. This Belgian classic combines young beer with oak-aged reserve to produce a deep ruby-red pour full of aromas of dark fruit, oak, and a hint of balsamic sharpness. On the palate, tart cherries and currants are complemented by soft caramel and vanilla notes from the barrel, creating a flavour that is both complex and beautifully balanced.
Grand Cru is a beer crafted for slowing down and appreciating the craft. It’s rich and layered, with a wine-like elegance that appeals to both beer enthusiasts and wine lovers. Whether paired with food or enjoyed on its own, it represents the gold standard of Belgian sours and is a must-try for anyone wanting to experience the roots of the style.
- Style: Fruited Gose
- Origin: USA
- ABV: 5.2%
Bright, juicy, and perfectly balanced with a touch of tartness, DESTIHL’s Blackberry Gose stands out in their Wild Sour Series. It pours a deep ruby-purple and floods the palate with fresh blackberry flavour, complemented by the traditional gose notes of salt and coriander. The result is a beer that’s crisp, mildly tangy, and layered with complexity while remaining easy to drink.
What makes this Gose so enjoyable is its versatility. The fruit adds a bold sweetness, the salt provides a savoury edge, and the sour backbone ties everything together. Perfect for warm days, casual gatherings, or anyone seeking a fruity sour with a twist, Blackberry Gose is a vibrant way to finish this list of must-try sours.
If you’ve ever taken a sip of a sour beer and thought, “Whoa, that tastes nothing like the lagers or IPAs I’m used to,” you’re not wrong. Sour beers occupy their own category in brewing, crafted to be tart, funky, and refreshingly different. The magic comes from the fermentation process—brewers use wild yeasts, like Brettanomyces, and bacteria such as Lactobacillus or Pediococcus to produce those lip-smacking, puckery flavours. Think of it as the beer world’s answer to kombucha or natural wine.
What makes sours so exciting is their versatility. You’ll find everything from light, fruity goses with a pinch of salt to complex barrel-aged lambics that can taste almost like fine wine. Brewers often add fruit such as raspberries, cherries, or peaches to boost that tangy flavour, which explains why many sours taste like a boozy fruit smoothie with an edge.
The best part? Sour beers aren’t just trendy; they have a rich history. Belgian monks experimented with souring techniques centuries ago, and many modern brewers are building on those traditions while adding their own creative spins. So, the next time you open a sour, remember you’re enjoying a beer style that’s both ancient and innovative.
Sour beers are made with a twist on traditional brewing, using wild yeasts (like Brettanomyces) and bacteria (such as Lactobacillus and Pediococcus) instead of relying only on standard brewer’s yeast. These microorganisms turn sugars into lactic acid, giving the beer its distinctive tang. Depending on the brewer’s method, the beer might be kettle-soured in just a few weeks for a quick, bright tartness, or it may be aged for months or even years in oak barrels, where it gradually develops layers of funk, depth, and wine-like character. Many brewers also experiment by adding fruits—such as raspberries, cherries, peaches, or tropical blends—which both enhance the acidity and develop striking flavour profiles. This balance between science, patience, and creativity is what makes sour beers one of the most exciting styles in the craft beer scene today.
The distinctive tang of sour beers comes from intentionally introducing acid-producing bacteria and wild yeasts during fermentation, which lowers the pH and creates that sharp, mouth-puckering flavour. Lactobacillus and Pediococcus are the main contributors, producing lactic acid, while Brettanomyces yeast can add funky, earthy notes that deepen the overall profile. Some brewers also incorporate fruit, which not only introduces natural sugars for the bacteria to feed on but also enhances the tartness with their own acidity. The final result is a beer that goes beyond the mellow balance of traditional ales and lagers, leaning into bold, zesty, and sometimes funky territory that keeps each sip both refreshing and complex
