The Ultimate Guide To Buying Sour Beer

Sour beer is a unique beverage with a distinct flavour profile that sets it apart from conventional beer. Its intense, tart, and acidic taste is achieved through the use of wild bacteria and yeast, specifically the strain known as Brettanomyces. With a wide range of sour beers available, including Lambic, Flanders, American Wild Ale, and Gose, beer enthusiasts can explore a diverse selection.

When it comes to purchasing sour beer, there are several options to consider. Local craft beer stores are a great first stop, as they often carry a broader selection of hard-to-find brews. For added convenience, larger retailers like Bevmo or Total Wine & More offer a decent assortment of sours. Online platforms, such as Tavour, Craft Beer Kings, and CraftShack, provide access to rare and sought-after sour beers from the comfort of your home.

Online retailers

There are many online retailers that sell sour beer, including:

• CraftShack: CraftShack offers a wide range of sour beers, including fruited sours, slushy sours, and smoothie sours. They have a variety of different brands available, such as The Epicurean Trader, 450 North Brewing Co., and Mortalis Brewing Company. CraftShack also offers speedy delivery, so you can get your sour beer fix in no time.
• Drizly: Drizly is a great option for those who want their sour beer delivered quickly, as they promise delivery in under 60 minutes. They offer a range of sour and wild ales, including Flanders Red/Brown, Lambic, and Gose. You can shop by beer style or brand, making it easy to find your favorite sour beer.
• Total Wine & More: This online retailer offers a wide selection of sour beers, including American sour beers, Belgian-style ales, and American wild ales. They also have specialty styles and seasonal releases. Total Wine & More provides detailed descriptions of each beer, including taste profiles, so you know exactly what you're getting.
• Tavour: Tavour is a craft beer lover's dream, as they drop rare and hard-to-find beers on their app every day. You can add the beers you want to your monthly crate and pay a flat fee for shipping. This is a great way to discover new sour beers and explore different styles.
• Craft Beer Kings: With the largest selection of craft beers in the world, Craft Beer Kings is a sour beer lover's paradise. They ship to the contiguous 48 states, so almost anyone in the US can take advantage of their incredible online selection. They also have brick-and-mortar stores in the Los Angeles area, so you can shop in person if you're local.

Local craft beer stores

If you're looking to buy sour beer from a local craft beer store, there are several options to choose from. Here are some suggestions:

• The Crafty Fox Ale House in San Francisco, CA, offers a wide selection of beers on tap, as well as bottles and cans.
• Diving Dog Brewhouse in Oakland, CA, has a variety of beers on tap, along with bottles and cans.
• Harry's Hofbrau has two locations, one in Redwood City and the other in San Leandro, CA, offering a range of beers on tap, bottles, and cans.
• The Wine Club in San Francisco, CA, is a great option for those looking for a variety of bottled sour beers.
• K&L Wine Merchants in Redwood City, CA, offers a selection of bottled sour beers for those who want to explore different options.
• The Office Bar and Grill in San Carlos, CA, provides a diverse range of beers on tap, bottles, and cans, creating a fun atmosphere to enjoy your favourite sour beer.
• Rosamunde Sausage Grill has two locations in San Francisco and Oakland, CA, offering a unique combination of beer and grilled delicacies.

These local craft beer stores provide an excellent opportunity to explore different sour beers, meet fellow enthusiasts, and support local businesses. Whether you're a seasoned sour beer aficionado or a curious newcomer, these stores offer a wealth of choices to satisfy your taste buds.

Bevmo or Total Wine & More

If you're looking to buy sour beer, BevMo and Total Wine & More are great options to explore. Both retailers offer a wide range of beer varieties, including sours, and provide convenient services for customers.

BevMo

BevMo offers a Sour Power Sampler Pack, which includes six 12-ounce sour beers. This pack is perfect for those who want to explore different sour beer options without committing to a full case. BevMo also offers delivery and pickup services, making it convenient for customers to get their hands on their favourite sour beers.

Total Wine & More

Total Wine & More boasts an extensive selection of sour beers, with over 40 options available. They offer a variety of styles, including Belgian-Style Ale, American Wild Ale, Berliner Weissbier, and more. Total Wine & More also provides in-store purchase options and convenient pick-up services, ensuring customers can get their sour beer fix with ease.

Comparison

Both BevMo and Total Wine & More offer a diverse range of sour beers to cater to different tastes and preferences. BevMo's sampler pack is ideal for those who want to explore different sour beers, while Total Wine & More's extensive selection is perfect for those who know their preferences and are looking for a specific style or brand.

Additionally, both retailers provide convenient services like delivery, pickup, and in-store purchases, ensuring customers can get their sour beer fix with ease. With their wide range of options and convenient services, BevMo and Total Wine & More are excellent choices for sour beer enthusiasts looking to expand their palate or stock up on their favourite brews.

Tavour app

The Tavour app is a great way to get your hands on some of the best craft beers from independent brewers across 47 states. With a constantly evolving selection, you can discover new beers from the country's top breweries that drop on the app daily.

Tavour offers a unique opportunity to sample beers that are unavailable in most spots, especially in the Midwest. The app is ideal for those who want to support smaller breweries and broaden their horizons beyond the typical beer styles. Whether you're a fan of N.E. hazy IPAs, stouts, porters, sours, or saisons, Tavour has got you covered.

The app provides extensive information about each beer, including the hops used, flavor profiles, canning dates, and background stories about the breweries. This wealth of knowledge ensures you know exactly what you're getting.

One of the standout features of Tavour is its flat-fee shipping. For one flat fee, you can curate your own collection of beers and have them delivered right to your doorstep. However, it's worth noting that the delivery experience may vary depending on your location, with some users reporting delays and unusual delivery methods.

Overall, the Tavour app is a fantastic option for craft beer enthusiasts who want to explore a diverse range of beers from the comfort of their homes.

Craft Beer Kings

The Craft Beer Kings website offers a convenient way to explore and purchase sour beers from the comfort of your home. Their Sour Subscription Box is a fantastic option for those who want to discover new sour beers every month. With this subscription, you can tailor your beer experience by choosing your favourite style, and Craft Beer Kings will handle the rest. Each month, you'll receive a carefully curated selection of new and exciting sour beers to enjoy.

In addition to their online store and subscription boxes, Craft Beer Kings' physical locations provide a unique in-person experience. Their stores offer a hipster vibe and a vast selection of cold craft beers, with knowledgeable staff who are always ready to provide recommendations and answer any questions.

Whether you're a beer enthusiast looking for a special sour beer or someone who wants to explore the world of sours through a subscription box, Craft Beer Kings has something for everyone. With their convenient online store, subscription options, and welcoming physical locations, Craft Beer Kings is a go-to destination for all your sour beer needs.

Frequently asked questions