Sour beer is one of the most varied and rewarding corners of the beer world. Some are bright, zesty and refreshingly tart, while others are deeply complex, developing layers of fruit, oak, funk and gentle acidity through months or even years of ageing. The category includes everything from crisp kettle sours and mixed fermentation saisons to fruit-forward wild ales, each with its own character and approach.

The "beyond" is where things get even more interesting. Brewers continue to experiment with spontaneous fermentation, unusual ingredients, barrel ageing and techniques borrowed from wine and cider, creating beers that don't always fit neatly into a single style. If you're looking for something different from the familiar world of pale ales and lagers, this is where you'll find some of the most inventive and thought-provoking beers being brewed today.