Sour Wench is a German-style Berliner Weisse brewed by Ballast Point Brewing Company. For the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a snifter from a 12 oz. bottle.

Packaging art for the Sour Wench by Ballast Point Brewing Company

Appearance

This Berliner is brewed with blackberries and as such, the ale pours a cloudy, purplish red hue. The ale is topped by a finger-thick head of bubbly pink foam that vanishes almost immediately. The head’s reduction leaves a razor-thin ring of residue rounding the collar.

Aroma

The Sour Wench has an inviting aroma that wafts a scent of tart blackberry fruit that’s balanced by sweetened grain and vanilla.

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Flavor

The tasting is led by tart blackberry fruit; followed by the clean lactic sourness of lemon. A mineral flavor appears in the finish and a malt base of doughy bread ties the palate together.

Mouthfeel

The feel of this Berliner is crisp, dry, and has a body that’s a shade over medium with medium-high carbonation.

Label art for the Sour Wench by Ballast Point Brewing Company

Overall

An ABV of seven percent is really high for a Berliner Weisse but the booze doesn’t impact the beer’s aroma or taste. The mouthfeel is a bit heavy for the style but that carbonation feels lively on the tongue and it’s really refreshing. All that being said, the real hero is that lovely tart fruit flavor that just makes you keep coming back for more.

Recommended Pairings

Ballast Point recommends the following food pairings with their Sour Wench: braised duck with sweet potato puree, salad with blackberry vinaigrette, Humboldt Fog goat cheese.