Sour Ale/Barrel-Aged Ale

[Yex]

I didn't know whether or not to put this in the ale thread or give it its own thread. I opted for the latter.

Has anyone ever tried Sour Ale? I guess it's a Belgian thing originally, and basically it's usually aged in barrels and foreign yeast cultures are allowed to affect it. Some of them also use starter cultures from the last batch to start the next batch, like sourdough bread, if that makes sense. Some of these lines can be traced back to, like, the 15th century. Yipes.

Sorry if none of that made any sense, I'm somewhat ignorant to the beer brewing possess and terminology.

I do know that these things are tasty though. I've had some gueuzes and flanders red ale, the former from an assortment of Belgian and American breweries, the latter from an American brewery. They have a very unusual taste; in fact, they bear little resemblance to beer. They taste and smell more like a blend of vinegar, champagne, and kombucha. I love them those, especially the ones that are particularly acidic and vinegary. Many of them also have a sort of musty flavor. I tasted one (the Gueuze Fond Tradition) that tasted strongly of blue cheese.

Anyone heard of these? Do you love them as much as I do? Or hate them passionately?

[tonieee]

I've not heard of it before. Sounds interesting. I'd like to try some.

[humblebee]

I tried some gueuze stuff in Brussels last year. It was brewed right there in the back of the bar we were in. They say it's an acquired taste. I was only in town for three days, which wasn't really enough to acquire it.

[Tomb]

Just as there is talk of Anorak dying!

I love lambic sour beers especially Gueuze brewed by Cantillon to the dismay of my drinking chums who regard it as vinegar! (Avoid anything by Mort Subite though - yuk)

Tap East brews it's own in Westfield Shopping centre in Stratford. (it was on the last time I was there) but the best example I have had recently was De Molen Lief & Leed - absolutely stunning example of this style of beer. You may have to go to Holland to get it though (well worth the trip!)

[Yex]

My recent exposure to online beer culture via sour ales has made me aware that it seems to be a thing for beer aficionados to exchange beers through the post. That said, Tomb, if you'd be interested in sending me some lambics ie gueuzes from your area I could reciprocate with American takes on Belgian-style sour ales. If you'd like to proceed you can pm me.