If you’ve ever taken a sip of beer and thought, “Dang, that’s tangy,” you’ve probably met a sour.
Sour beers are a little wild, a little funky, and 100% refreshing when the Nashville heat kicks in. They’re tart, juicy, and unapologetically bold. And right now? It’s officially Sour Szn at M.L.Rose.
Whether you’re a longtime sour sipper or just sour-curious, we’ve got the lowdown on what makes these brews so unique—and why they’re the perfect pick for your next patio hang.
What Is a Sour Beer?
Let’s break it down. Most beers are brewed to be clean, crisp, and consistent. Sours? Not so much.
These funky brews are intentionally fermented with wild yeast strains (like Brettanomyces) or bacteria like Lactobacillus and Pediococcus. Sounds fancy, but it just means the brew gets a kick of natural tartness and funk. Add some fruit, herbs, or citrus, and get a wild ride in a pint glass.
Sours are light on bitterness, often low-ABV, and packed with big, juicy flavor—think lemonade, tangy candy, or fresh fruit with a twist.
The Not-So-Secret History of Sours
Sour beers might feel like a modern trend, but they’re some of the planet’s oldest beer styles.
Before modern brewing and refrigeration, most beers were accidentally sour thanks to airborne microbes and open-air fermentation. Belgian brewers mastered this style centuries ago with Lambics, Gueuzes, and Flanders reds—beers that fermented slowly and developed their signature funk over time in oak barrels.
Today’s American sour scene? It’s a whole different vibe. Brewers experiment with faster souring techniques (like kettle souring), add everything from mango to marshmallow, and let creativity lead—the result: tart, bright, sometimes weird—but always worth a sip.
What We’re Pouring This Spring
Time to meet a few of our favorite tangy troublemakers from the current M.L.Rose lineup.
- Sour SZN – East Nashville Beer Works: Strawberries + lime = summer in a glass. It’s juicy, zippy, and kind of addictive.
- Tropical Citrus Hill – Southern Grist Brewing Co: Brewed with tangerine, calamansi, guava, and lactose—this one’s basically a tropical fruit smoothie that decided to get funky.
- Lovebird – Jackalope Brewing Co: Not technically a sour, but it brings the berry brightness we crave. Light, pink, and perfect for a hot day.
Why We Call This Sour Season
Let’s face it—Nashville summers don’t mess around. When it’s 90 degrees and the sun’s beating down, you want a beer that snaps. Sours are light, crisp, and flavorful, cutting right through the heat.
They pair with sunshine, patios, burgers, waffle fries, and post-hike cool-downs. They’re crowd-pleasers for people who “don’t usually drink beer.”
Try One at Your Favorite Spot
Come see what Sour Szn is all about at any of our locations. Ask your bartender what’s tangy and trending—we’re always rotating in something new. Or build a flight and discover your perfect pucker.
Want a little sour with your burger? We’ve got a pour for that. Try it with our G.O.A.T. Burger—that creamy goat cheese and pesto combo is a dream next to a tart, fruity brew. Or, if you’re just here for the crunch, our Buffalo Chicken Cheese Fries and a sour beer make the kind of bold, crave-worthy duo your taste buds will write home about.
