I have just learned that September 8th is #SourBeerDay.
It is, obviously, like #IPADay and #StoutDay, only instead of celebrating IPAs and Stouts, this twitter holiday celebrates sour beers of all sorts.
The first sour beer I ever had was a happy accident. My first GABF, I came to the New Belgium booth very early in the night. In fact, I had only had one sample up until that point. I walked up, pointed to a random keg labeled "Eric's Ale", and asked for "some of that". Had I asked what "Eric's Ale" was, I don't know if I would have tried it, since I had never experienced a sour ale before.
But, I loved it. I absolutely loved it. I am bummed out that I have never found it since then. Since then, I have made it my mission at every GABF I have been to (this year will be my third) to try as many sours as possible.
I have never met a sour beer I have not liked. I suppose I am lucky in this, because sours are by no means easy to make. Quite often they take a long time to become wonderfully drinkable.
I do not drink them all the time. They are a rare treat for me. My wife doesn't like them. Lots of people don't, but I think more probably would if they would take the chance and give one a try.
So, this year, on September 8th (this coming Saturday), try to find yourself a sour beer.
Any of the BJCP category 17 styles are wonderful:
- 17A. Berliner Weisse
- 17B. Flanders Red Ale
- 17C. Flanders Brown Ale/Oud Bruin
- 17D. Straight (Unblended) Lambic
- 17E. Gueuze
- 17F. Fruit Lambic
I don't guarantee that you'll love it, but I bet if you give it a chance, more of you will be pleasantly surprised than disappointed.
Cheers!
EDIT: I got a tweet suggesting that I check out Crooked Stave's taproom for #SourBeerDay. Seems like a great suggestion.
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