Craft fans all over the country are getting into Sour Ales, but the ultra-puckering examples so common from American brewers can be a harsh introduction to the style. Fortunately, there’s a traditional Sour brew from Belgium that uses malts to sweeten things up and balance out the tartness: the Flanders Red.

The GABF award-winning, Belgian-focused brewers at Taxman dial in this interplay of caramelly malts and pleasant tartness in their aptly named Balance of Sour.

Just like walking on a tightrope, it’s extremely difficult to brew a balanced sour. Through a painstaking blending process, Taxman’s brewers achieve a delicate symmetry between tartness, woody tannins, and malty sweetness by combining two oak-aged beers. An 18-month-aged Flanders Red brings oaky depth and a cutting sour edge, while a 6-month-aged portion of Taxman’s GABF medal-winning Dubbel lends vivacity and brightness.

This beer has the power to convert just about anyone into a Sour fan. Those already familiar with Flanders Reds will appreciate the true-to-style Balance of Sour, and those skeptical of Sour beers might just change their tune after a taste.

Rated 4.08 on Untappd

Cellarable