Belgium is known for its unique and diverse selection of beer styles. One of the most popular and distinctive styles of Belgian beer is the sour beer. Sour beers, also known as “wild ales”, are brewed using wild yeast or bacteria to create a tart, acidic flavor. These beers are often aged in oak barrels, giving them a complex, woody flavor. Sour beers are often blended with other beers to create a unique flavor. The three most popular sour beer styles of Belgium are Lambic, Gueuze and Flanders Red.
Lambic is a type of sour beer that is spontaneously fermented with wild yeasts and bacteria. It is usually aged for up to two years in oak barrels, giving it a unique, tart flavor. Lambic is often blended with other beers, such as fruit beers, to create a unique flavor profile. Lambic is a light-bodied beer with a dry finish.
Gueuze is a type of sour beer that is a blend of one, two, and three-year-old Lambic beers. This style is characterized by its complex flavor, which is a combination of sweet and sour notes. Gueuze is a light-bodied beer with a dry finish.
Flanders Red is a type of sour beer that is aged in oak barrels for up to two years. This style is characterized by its deep red color and sweet, tart flavor. Flanders Red is a medium-bodied beer with a dry finish.
Sour beers are an acquired taste, but they are gaining popularity in the craft beer world. These beers are perfect for those who enjoy a unique flavor profile, and they are a great way to explore the world of Belgian beer.
