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BJCP 2021 / 28D

Straight Sour Beer

A pale, refreshing sour with clean lactic tartness and light malt behind it.

  • Drink fresh
  • pale color
  • top fermented
  • sour

Serve: 42 to 48F, Tulip or flute

OG1.120
1.048 to 1.065
FG1.030
1.006 to 1.013
IBU120
3 to 8
SRM40
2 to 3
ABV14%
4.5 to 7.0%

Taste it in order

Aroma

12 pts
  • Strong, clean sourness
  • Hints of peach, apricot, lemon or green apple
  • Light cracker malt, no hops
Vague
Sour
Better
Clean tartness with light fruit
Best
Strong clean lactic tartness with hints of peach and green apple over faint cracker malt, no hop aroma

Appearance

3 pts
  • Very pale
  • Clear to slightly hazy
  • Big white head that fades fast
Vague
Pale
Better
Pale straw, bright
Best
Very pale straw, bright to slightly hazy, tall dense white head that collapses quickly, lively bubbles

Flavor

20 pts
  • Clean lactic sourness, sometimes strong
  • Light bready or cracker malt
  • Dry to off-dry finish, no hop bitterness
Vague
Sour
Better
Clean lactic sourness
Best
Clean lactic acidity from mild to strong, light bread malt, citrus or apple note, dry finish, no hop bitterness or flavor

Mouthfeel

5 pts
  • Light body
  • Moderate to high carbonation
  • Crisp acidity
Vague
Light
Better
Light and crisp
Best
Light body, moderate-high carbonation, crisp acidity without sharpness

Overall Impression

10 pts

Lifts it

  • Clean acidity
  • Refreshing finish

Drops it

  • Vinegar
  • Funk that does not belong

Writing tip

Describe the acid clearly. Example: 'Clean lactic tartness with green apple, light cracker malt, dry and crisp.'

Pour these

No examples chosen yet.

Often confused with

Fine here

  • Sour/Acidic: Lactic tartness is the style

Ruinous here

  • Sour/Acidic: Sharp acetic vinegar
  • Diacetyl: Butter
  • Sulfur: Rotten egg

Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.