The refreshing acidity of sour beers makes them enjoyable on their own or with your favorite foods. Those aged in oak barrels can be fun and funky, and are especially adept at complementing what’s on your table. • Begin with a stemmed tulip glass, which enhances the aromatic experience. • Serve sour beers at 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The slight chill helps to relax the beer’s acidic notes. • The “zing” of sour beers can be a shock to the palate. You might need a couple sips to acclimate to the flavors, which evolve as the beer opens up in the glass. • Sour beers can refresh the palate when served with fatty cuts of beef such as a ribeye steak or salty, cured meats. • Their bright acidity complements seafood and briny shellfish, especially those prepared with lemon and butter.
Founded in 2011, Almanac Beer Co.—named for “The Old Farmer’s Almanac” and inspired by California’s agricultural bounty—had a modest beginning, releasing just four barrel- aged ales honoring the fruits of each season during its first year. Beer aficionados sought and savored each quarterly release. While sour beers have been around for more than a century, they were piquing the interest of American consumers during Almanac’s early days. A broad lineup of beer Initially encouraged by California’s farm-to-table movement, Almanac’s brewers set out to honor the state’s agricultural diversity, growing the company’s sour beer line by incorpor- ating a broad range of seasonal fruits. Almanac’s specialty beers also feature California-grown barley from Admiral Maltings, conveniently located next door to the brewery. These days Almanac produces up to 200,000 cases a year featuring 40 to 60 types of fresh beer, including a hazy IPA as well as the oak-aged sour ales the company is best known for.
• Bring on the spice. Sour beers can stand up to curries, Mexican food and chili. • Serve fruity sour beers with strong cheeses such as goat, sharp cheddar and Gorgonzola. Or try burrata cheese, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt. • Consider pairing a variety of sour beers made with stone fruit or berries with creamy desserts such as cheesecake. • Sour beer can be used for cooking, adding complexity to acidic salad dressings and extra texture to the batter for fried fish or chicken.
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