Sour Berry

Non-Alcoholic Mixed Berry Kettle Sour

Sensory studies have shown that consumers prefer NA beers with fruity and tropical aromas to NAs with typical beer flavor profiles¹. Sour Berry is designed for drinkers who enjoy crisp, tart, and fruit-forward beverages—and it gives brewers multiple ways to get there.

The base recipe can be customized with four proven post-fermentation flavor builds, ranging from classic mixed berry to unique twists with lychee or prickly pear. This flexibility lets brewers tailor the recipe to different audiences, from approachable gateway options to bold seasonal releases.

1. ACS Omega 2020, 5, 36, 23308–23321

→ Hear our experts discuss this data: Sensory Study: Preference in NABLAB Flavor Profiles →

→ Additional Resources: Fermentis Sour NABLAB Video

Key Statistics

• Est. ABV: 0.43%
• Original Gravity: 4.50° P
• Final Gravity: 3.65° P
• IBU: 12–15
• Color: Cloudy Purple/Red
• Brewhouse Efficiency: 80%
• Mash L:G Ratio: 3:1

Grains

62% Rahr North Star Pils™
35% Rahr Extra Pale White Wheat
3% Weyermann® Acidulated Malt

Mash Profile

72°C: 15 min
76°C: 2 min

Hops

60 min: CTZ | 10 IBU

Yeast & Wort Bacteria

Fermentis SafBrew™ LA-01

• Pitch Rate: 0.65 g/L

Fermentis SafSour™ LP-652

• Pitch Rate: 0.1 g/L
• Target pH: 3.2–3.6

Brewer’s Notes

The base beer for Sour Berry is essentially a NA version of a Berliner Weisse. A short and hot infusion mash makes for a quick start to the brew day, giving ample time to prepare for kettle souring using Fermentis LP-652, a Lactobacillus plantarum strain known for its clean and tropical nose.

LP-652 is allowed to run its complete course to pH 3.2-3.4. We leave the fruit flavor additions open and offer suggested blends of our portfolio of Kerry flavorings, along with body and sweetness enhancement with Kerry TasteSense Sweet (see below for more details).

Our Recommended Flavor Blend Options

The Sour Berry NA Mixed Berry Kettle Sour recipe is designed to give brewers flexibility, with four proven Kerry flavor combinations that have been tested to deliver consistent results. These blends provide a strong starting point, but the recipe is built for experimentation. Consider which flavors you want to lead on the palate, and which should play a supporting role in the background, then adjust additions to fit your vision.

Option #1: Classic Berry Blend

This blend of Kerry Natural Fruit Flavorings and Fruit Powders presents a classic mixed berry profile with a deep color and jammy notes that will be sure to please a wide range of consumer palates.

Option #2: Red Fruit Blend

This option showcases a bold, unmistakable strawberry aroma and flavor—instantly familiar and approachable for consumers. Its easy-drinking profile makes it an ideal choice for gateway drinkers and those less familiar with beer.

Option #3: Tropical Blend

This option layers tropical brightness and delicate floral sweetness from lychee onto the mixed berry base, creating a vibrant twist that’s perfect for a seasonal release or limited-time offering.

Option #4: Desert Fruit Blend

A unique desert fruit twist that brings bright tartness up front, rounded out by the soft, juicy character of prickly pear. Subtle melon and cactus notes add depth and complexity, creating a refreshing balance that stands apart from traditional berry blends.

Kerry Natural Fruit Flavorings: Dosage Chart

Though this recipe features suggested options of post-fermentation flavor additions (listed above), we encourage brewers to get creative using all of the Kerry Natural Flavorings. A full dosage chart of our portfolio is listed below.

*Contains trace amounts of fermentable sugars.