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Beer Styles

Sour Beer

Beer style guide

Reviewed by , Drinks Editor
Sour & Wild AleBeerBeer • Sour3.5–7% ABV5–20 IBUlow-medium bodylow bitterness

Is this for me?

Choose this if…

  • You prefer approachable, low-bitterness beers.

Skip if…

  • You want strong hop flavour or a bitter bite.

What is Sour Beer?

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

Best For

BeerBeer • Sour

Food Pairings

Cheese BoardFried ChickenSaladsSeafood

Taste & Style

low bitternesslow-medium bodyFunkySourAcidicSour & Wild Ale

Flavour profile

Funky(low)Sour(high)Acidic(high)

Food pairings

Best for

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.

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