Kit based Sour style

[RepSpec]

Hey guys

recently had a few sour beers and really enjoy them for the hot weather.

Im still only doing Kit beers, but would like to try make this style.

Is it possible to do a sour style with a kit recipe such as the blonde or even the Mexican?

Or make an extract using wheat or pale malt extract?

Anyone have any recipes?

[Mark D Pirate]

It is possible,  what method were you planning on using to sour and how sour do you want to go ? 

Kettle souring is far more predictable since the boil after souring kills off the bugs and even 5 IBU is enough to inhibit lacto bugs 

[ben 10]

https://nationalhomebrew.com.au/beer/mangrove-jacks-craft-series-brewery-pouch-berliner-style-sour-ale

[RepSpec]

might have to look further into it Mark... what would be the easiest process for a above average Kit brewer

seems like it might be above me at this stage...just stick with standard pales

thanks for the link Ben

[Mark D Pirate]

A shortcut would be to add lactic acid but that would be very one dimensional. 

If you can handle a mini mash and steep some acid malt ( gladfields sour grapes/wey acidulated) it will be have slightly better depth but not quite like a kettle soured version. 

You could just co pitch a lacto and sacc strain at zero ibu ,ferment out then add a small boil with hops to bottling bucket / keg. 

I'd strongly advise taking accurate ph readings though 

 

[RepSpec]

sounds a bit past me at this stage...thanks for the help though

[Mark D Pirate]

I don't brew much in the way of sours or farmhouse brews. 

Ben is a wealth of experience in this subject,  maybe check out that pouch he linked earlier. 

It's an expensive way to do it compared to kettle souring AG wort. 

In your case I'd think about buying a 6 pack of corona,  adding lactic acid in precisely measured amounts to a nice round number ( 1 litre perhaps)  and taste it until it's about where you want it and extrapolate to larger bottling runs. 

 

*All care but zero,  zip , Nada responsibility taken if it's horrid *

[ben 10]

I'd give the kit a bash, $35 isn't too bad really, minimal chance of balls up too, i have made a few tippers with kettle souring until i did the cube sour which worked a treat. i would not use lactic acid, i think it would be shite. you could do a flander red style with a lambic blend but that will take months. my first attempt is two months in and i have no idea when i should keg it.

[Popo the Reprobate]

The kit sounds like a pretty good way to have a first crack.

[Cerveja]

Just saw this, bit late sorry. The pouch is awesome. So easy to make and tastes ridiculously good (if you like sours). I've made 3 and am about to start adding (home-grown) berries late. Perfect if you are a bit time poor.