A gose is indeed a sour beer. It falls into the broader category of sour beers, which are known for their tart and acidic flavors. Gose specifically is a traditional German-style sour wheat beer that originated in the town of Goslar, hence its name.
One of the defining characteristics of gose is its sourness. This sourness is typically achieved through a process called kettle souring, where the beer is soured by adding lactobacillus bacteria to the wort before fermentation. This bacteria produces lactic acid, giving the beer its sour taste.
Gose also has a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other sour beers. In addition to the sourness, gose often exhibits a slight saltiness, which is achieved by adding salt to the brewing process. This saltiness provides a refreshing and briny quality to the beer. Additionally, gose may be flavored with coriander, which adds a subtle herbal and citrusy note.
Another distinguishing feature of gose is its cloudy and unfiltered appearance. Unlike many other beers, gose is not clarified or filtered, resulting in a hazy and sometimes slightly opaque appearance. This is due to the presence of wheat proteins and yeast in the beer, which contribute to its unique texture and mouthfeel.
In recent years, gose has experienced a resurgence in popularity among American craft brewers. Many breweries have started producing their own versions of this traditional style, often adding their own twists and variations. This has led to a wide range of gose styles and flavors, showcasing the creativity and innovation of the craft beer industry.
Personally, I have had the pleasure of trying several gose beers and have found them to be incredibly refreshing and enjoyable. The combination of sourness, saltiness, and subtle spiciness from the coriander creates a complex and interesting flavor profile that keeps me coming back for more. The unfiltered nature of gose also adds a certain rustic charm to the beer, making it feel more authentic and traditional.
Gose is a type of sour beer that originated in Germany. It is characterized by its sourness, slight saltiness, and unfiltered appearance. With its unique flavor profile, gose offers a refreshing and distinctive drinking experience that has gained popularity in the craft beer scene. Whether you’re a fan of sour beers or simply looking to try something new, gose is definitely worth a taste.