Strawberry chocolate sour beer might not sound like the most obvious combination, but it’s one that immediately sparks curiosity.
When you hear the words strawberry, chocolate and sour beer in the same sentence, it’s fair to raise an eyebrow. It’s not exactly a traditional pairing, and for many beer drinkers, it might sound like a step too far.
But that’s exactly what Vault City Brewing have built their reputation on, pushing boundaries and creating beers that challenge expectations. And with their latest strawberry chocolate sour beer, they may have created one of their most surprising releases yet.
Over the Easter period we’ve been able to enjoy some fantastic and Easter themed beers: Naughty & Nice Chocolate Stout, Naughty & Nice White Chocolate and Raspberry, Mini Eggs Chocolate Stout and Mini Crunch and Honeycomb Stout.
A Strawberry Chocolate Sour Beer That Looks the Part
Pouring a cloudy, strawberry-red hue, this beer immediately stands out. It’s a far cry from the usual ambers, golds and stouts you might expect, and visually sets the tone for something a little different.
On the nose, it’s unmistakably fresh strawberries leading the way. There’s a natural sweetness to it, like standing in a strawberry field at peak season. Behind that sits a gentle layer of chocolate and malt, though it’s more subtle than you might expect from this type of sour beer.
Tasting Notes
The first sip is where things really get interesting.
It opens with the familiar flavour of strawberries dipped in chocolate, quickly evolving into something softer and creamier. Think strawberries and cream, or even a nod towards classic desserts like Eton Mess or Cranachan. There’s a richness to it, but it never becomes heavy or overpowering.
Then comes the sour element.
Rather than being sharp or aggressive, the sourness is surprisingly restrained. It gently lifts the sweetness rather than competing with it, creating a balanced finish that keeps this beer refreshing and drinkable.
Even for those who aren’t typically fans of sour beers, this is incredibly approachable. It’s closer to a sweet sour than anything overly tart, making it an excellent introduction to the style.
Balancing Flavours in a Strawberry Chocolate Sour Beer
One of the most interesting aspects of this beer is how the chocolate is handled. If you’re expecting something rich and dominant like a chocolate stout, you might be surprised.
Here, the chocolate plays more of a supporting role. It enhances the strawberry character rather than leading it, adding depth without overwhelming the palate. The result is a strawberry chocolate sour beer that feels cohesive rather than conflicting.
A Gateway Strawberry Chocolate Sour Beer
Vault City have included a sour scale on the can, and this one sits firmly on the milder end. That makes it an ideal choice for anyone curious about sours but unsure where to start.
It’s also a great example of how far modern craft beer has come. This sour is not about tradition, it’s about creativity, balance, and rethinking what beer can be.
Final Thoughts
This is a genuinely impressive beer.
It shouldn’t work on paper, but in practice, it absolutely does. The combination of strawberry, chocolate and subtle sourness creates something that is both unique and highly enjoyable.
If you’re looking for something different, or even just a standout seasonal treat, this strawberry chocolate sour beer is well worth picking up.
