A refreshing fruited sour wheat beer with a vibrant fruit character and a clean lactic acidity. The restrained alcohol, light body, elevated carbonation, and lack of perceived bitterness allows the fresh fruit to be highlighted. The fruit is often, but not always, tropical in nature.
Medium to high fruit character, immediately noticeable and recognizable. A clean lactic sourness, low to medium, supports the fruit. Neutral malt typically, but can have low grainy or bready notes in support. Clean fermentation profile with no wild or funky yeast character. No hop aroma. No sharp alcohol. Optional Spices, Herbs, and Vegetables should support the fruit if present.
Color is often fairly pale – straw to gold. Medium to high white head with fair to good retention. The color of the beer and head can also take on the color of the fruit. Clarity can be quite clear to hazy. Effervescent.
Medium to high fresh fruit flavor dominates, with a supportive but noticeable, low to medium-high clean lactic sourness. The fruit should have a fresh character, not seeming cooked, jam-like, or artificial. The malt is often absent, but if present can have a low grainy or bready quality that never competes with the fruit or sourness. Hop bitterness below sensory threshold. Dry finish with a clean, tart, and fruity aftertaste. No hop flavor, acetic notes, diacetyl, or funky Brett flavors. Spices, Herbs, and Vegetables are optional in support of the fruit.
Low to medium-low body. Medium to high carbonation. No alcohol warmth. Low to medium-high acidity without being aggressively sour or astringent.
Pilsner malt with wheat malt or unmalted wheat. Kettle sour technique with Lacto is most common, followed by fermentation with a neutral ale yeast. Fruit typically added late in fermentation. Fresh seasonal fruit, often tropical. Spices, Herbs, and Vegetables are optional, but always should support and enhance the fruit presentation.
Armada Daenerys, Blumenau Catharina Sour Pêssego, Istepô Goiabêra, Itajahy Catharina Araçá Sour, Liffey Coroa Real, UNIKA Tangerina Clemenules
| Data | Min. | Max. |
|---|---|---|
| Original gravity | 1.039 | 1.048 |
| Final gravity | 1.004 | 1.012 |
| Bitterness | 2.0 IBU | 8.0 IBU |
| Color | 3.9 EBC | 11.8 EBC |
| Alcohol | 4.00 ° | 5.50 ° |