How about an ale with deep layers of flavor that tastes distinctively different to conventional beer? We're talking about sour ale beer. Wild bacteria and yeast give sour beer an intense flavor that's tart and acidic. Sour beer uses a strain of wild yeast known as Brettanomyces to set off a series of reactions that give this ale its characteristic musty and earthy taste. The high levels of acidity in sour beer create the perceivable impression of the tart taste. Wild ale beers overlap with sour ales in certain aspects of flavor and bacteria or yeast and the names may be used interchangeably.

There are several types of sour beers, including Lambic beer, Flanders, American wild ale, Gose and more. A German-style beer, Gose was originally brewed in the town of Goslar in Germany. It features a sour flavor with notes of coriander and sea salt. Gose beer has low hop bitterness that blends well with the herbaceous taste of ground coriander seeds and the sharpness of sea salt.

For those beer fans who want to try out fruit-flavored beers, Flanders is a great pick. Flanders red beer features the strong zest of fruits such as plum, prune and raspberry.

Different types of sours have their own distinct flavor, so you need to pair them with foods that complement their taste and aroma. In general, it's possible to pair sour beers with many different foods and cuisines. The wine-like taste of Flanders red renders immense flavor to stews and braises. Lambic beers pair well with smoked meats like bacon, while Gose tastes great with shellfish and ceviche.

Grab a pint today to enjoy complex flavors of a sour beer. Shop Drizly or see if we've made it to your city. Click these handy links to search for Drizly in your city and look for liquor stores on Drizly near you.