Skip to main content

Beer Styles

Sour Beer

Beer style guide

Reviewed by Suggest a correction
  • Sour & Wild Ale
  • Beer
  • Beer • Sour
  • 3.5–7% ABV
  • 5–20 IBU
  • low-medium body

Is this for me?

Choose this if…

  • ✓You prefer approachable, low-bitterness beers.

Skip if…

  • ✗You want strong hop flavour or a bitter bite.

At a Glance

90–320Calories
3.5–7%ABV
5–20Bitterness
low-mediumBody
pale gold to amberColour

Nutrition values are style-level estimates. Actual values vary by producer and serving size. How we calculate this →

On this page

What is Sour Beer?

Sour beer category style used for WhatDrink frontend filtering and taxonomy matching.

Taste profile

low bitternesslow-medium bodyFunkySourAcidicSour & Wild Ale
Funky(low)Sour(high)Acidic(high)

Sensory profile

BitternessMild – Intense
Hop characterSubtle – Prominent
StrengthSession – Strong
Beginner-friendlyAcquired taste – Easy intro
  • Style group: Sour & Wild Ale
  • ABV range: 3.5–7%
  • IBU: 5–20
  • low-medium body

What do these dimensions mean?

Body
low-medium
Sweetness
medium
Acidity
high
Tannin
low
  • Funky · low intensity — Many sour beers show fermentation-driven complexity.
  • Sour · high intensity — Sour beer is defined by sour or tart character.
  • Acidic · high intensity — Sour beer commonly has high acidity.

Based on structured style profile and canonical flavor relationships.

How it’s made

Method
Acid-driven beer using lactic fermentation, mixed cultures, or kettle souring.
Base materials
malt, wheat, hops, yeast/bacteria
Fermentation
Mixed fermentation or kettle souring
Ageing
May be young or barrel-aged depending on style.

How to serve

Serving temperature
4-8°C
Glassware
tulip glass

Frequently asked questions

What is Sour Beer?
Sour beer category style used for WhatDrink frontend filtering and taxonomy matching.
What does Sour Beer taste like?
Sour Beer is often described as Funky, Sour, Acidic. Flavour intensity varies by region, producer and brewery.
What foods pair with Sour Beer?
Sour Beer pairs well with Cheese Board, Fried Chicken, Salads, Seafood. Food pairing suggestions are based on complementary flavour profiles.
How strong is Sour Beer?
Sour Beer typically has an ABV of 3.5–7%. A standard serving contains approximately 90–320. Strength and calorie content vary by producer and batch.
When should I enjoy Sour Beer?
Sour Beer suits casual social occasions, food pairings and sessions where you want a flavourful but approachable beer. The style profile makes it versatile across a range of settings.
What beers are similar to Sour Beer?
If you enjoy Sour Beer, explore other beer styles with a similar bitterness and body rating using the sensory bars as a guide. Styles with a matching profile score will feel closest in character.
What are some popular examples of Sour Beer?
Many breweries produce Sour Beer across different regions. Seek out local craft examples for fresh flavour, or look for well-reviewed commercial options widely available in bottle shops and pubs.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Tannin/Bitterness (soft to grippy), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent), Boldness (delicate to bold) and Beginner-Friendly (acquired taste to easy intro). Each scale helps you compare beer styles at a glance.
How do I use the sensory profile to find beers I like?
If you like hoppy beers look for High Bitterness. For smooth, easy-drinking beers choose Soft Bitterness and Light Body. Use the Beginner-Friendly rating to find beers that match your experience level.

Last updated

Style information is approximate and can vary by producer, region and recipe.