Beverage style guidelines are used with the permission of the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP). BJCP Style Guidelines Copyright © BJCP, Inc. The most current guidelines are available at www.bjcp.org.
Vital statistics
| Original gravity | 1.039 – 1.048 (9.8 – 11.9 °P) |
|---|---|
| Final gravity | 1.004 – 1.012 (1.0 – 3.1 °P) |
| Bitterness | 2 – 8 IBU |
| Color | 2 – 6 SRM (4 – 12 EBC) |
| Alcohol | 4.0 – 5.5% ABV |
Overall impression
Refreshing fruited sour wheat beer with vibrant fresh fruit and clean lactic acidity; light body, elevated carbonation, minimal bitterness.
Aroma
Medium–high recognizable fruit. Low–medium clean lactic sourness in support. Neutral malt; optional low grainy/bready notes. Clean fermentation; no funk; no hop aroma; no sharp alcohol. Optional spices/herbs/vegetables only in support of fruit.
Appearance
Straw to gold; fruit can tint beer and head. Medium–high white head with fair to good retention. Clear to hazy. Effervescent.
Flavor
Medium–high fresh fruit dominates with low–medium-high clean lactic sourness in support. Malt low/neutral; no hop flavor; bitterness below threshold. Dry finish with clean tart fruity aftertaste. No acetic, diacetyl, or Brett funk. Supporting spices/herbs optional.
Mouthfeel
Low to medium-low body. Medium–high carbonation. No alcohol warmth. Acidity low to medium-high, never harsh or astringent.
Comments
Best consumed fresh. Acidity can make body seem lighter than FG indicates. Berliner Weisse with fruit should be entered as 29A.
History
Named and defined in 2015 in Santa Catarina, Brazil; modern South American style featuring local fruit and clean lactic sourness. Now popular across Brazil and beyond.
Characteristic ingredients
Pilsner malt with wheat malt or unmalted wheat. Kettle-soured with Lactobacillus, then fermented with neutral ale yeast. Fruit added late; often tropical. Optional SHV strictly supportive.
Style comparison
Stronger than Berliner Weisse with fresh fruit and no Brett; less sour than Lambic/Gueuze and without funk.
Commercial examples
Armada Daenerys, Blumenau Catharina Sour Pêssego, Istepô Goiabêra, Itajahy Catharina Araçá Sour, Liffey Coroa Real, UNIKA Tangerina Clemenules
Tags: craft-style, south-america, fruit, sour, specialty-beer