Craft Sour Beers | Rising up in Popularity
Craft beer is constantly changing, as are craft brewing styles and techniques. Currently, kettle sours are having their moment, particularly in the United States. If you are unfamiliar with kettle sours, they’re a type of tart and refreshing beer with a distinctive sourness that comes from adding lactic acid to the kettle during brewing. They originated in Belgium around the turn of the 18th century.
One of the breweries in the kettle sour scene is Battery Steele Brewing, located in Portland, Maine. Notably, the Endless Ride Kettle Sour. This beer is a perfect example of the style, with a bright, sour flavor and a tangy finish that keeps you coming back for more. This blog post will examine Battery Steele Brewing and what makes the Endless Ride Kettle Sour.
The Endless Ride series | Featuring Blueberry and Lemon Zest
This beer has an ABV of 3.9% and a hazy cranberry color, almost resembling blueberry juice. Upon the first taste, the Blueberry and Lemon Zest variation hit the front of the palate with a sour and tart flavor. The beer has active carbonation and a sharp, quasi-dry mouthfeel. The lemon sourness is prominent initially, while the blueberry taste is noticeable on the finish. The beer is also very acidic, which is unsurprising for a sour beer, so keep that in mind.
The Blueberry and Lemon Zest variation was pleasing to look at. It has the appearance of blueberry juice. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much of a head, and what was there dissipated quickly. This craft beer is not quaffable, and the intense sourness may not appeal to those who prefer sweeter beers. Or those who may like hoppy or malty craft beers.
Battery Steel Brewing’s Endless Ride series features several other variations, including Mango and Apricot, Raspberry, and Lime, to name a few. Those looking for a unique and complex sour beer experience may also want to explore these other options.
This Endless Ride Kettle Sour was cut short
While Battery Steel Brewing’s Blueberry and Lemon Zest Kettle Sour may be a unique and complex sour craft beer experience, it may only suit some people’s taste buds. As for me, the sourness and tartness of the beer were too intense for my liking. I can’t stress this enough, but beer preferences are highly subjective, and others may find the Blueberry and Lemon Zest variation delightful. If you enjoy sour beers, this one is worth a try, but be prepared for a bold and acidic taste.
Check out some of the other Sour craft beers I’ve tried, and let me know what you think!
