As beer drinkers look for new, flavorful options, analysts note that sour beers are delivering on that need state.

From a wild art project and “experiment” to start a Jewish celebration microbrew, Shmaltz Brewing Co. has advanced from delivering 100 cases of HE’BREW Beer out of a Volvo to building a brewery in Upstate New York and back to a contract brewing model.

As craft beer has shown itself to be measurable force in the beer market, more craft brewers are exploring varying beer styles to appeal to broader consumer base. Now, sour beer and more sessionable offerings like lagers are populating craft brewers portfolios.

As sour profiles continue to become more popular in the beverage world, it will be interesting to see whether more craft brewers will hop on board the sour flavor train.

Upslope Brewing Co. released its latest addition: Tropical Fruit Sour Ale. 

Within the beverage market, one segment in particular has shown the power of “local” — craft beer.