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What is a Gose beer?

A Gose beer is a traditional German-style sour and salty wheat beer that originated in the town of Goslar, Germany. It is characterised by its refreshing and slightly tart flavour profile, with a noticeable but not overwhelming saltiness. Gose typically has a hazy appearance and a pale straw to golden colour.

The saltiness is down to salt deposits that were found around Goslar that worked its way into the ground water and into the water for the beer.
It does have another benefit in that in the past, before modern refrigeration techniques were available, the salt acted as a preservative to help extend the shelf life of the beer. The salt acted as a natural antimicrobial agent, inhibiting the growth of unwanted bacteria and other microorganisms.

Key characteristics of a Gose beer include:

Sourness: Gose beers are moderately sour, but not as intensely sour as some other sour beer styles like Berliner Weisse or Lambic. The sourness is usually derived from lactic acid bacteria during fermentation, imparting a tangy and refreshing taste.

Saltiness: One of the defining features of Gose beer is its saltiness. Traditionally, brewers add a small amount of salt to the brewing process, which enhances the beer's overall flavour profile and contributes to its unique taste. The saltiness should be subtle and balanced, not overpowering. ,It also works to make the beer uber refreshing.

Coriander: Another characteristic ingredient in Gose beer is coriander seeds. Coriander adds a citrusy, spicy aroma and flavour that complements the sourness and saltiness of the beer. It helps to round out the overall taste profile and adds complexity to the brew.

Low ABV: Gose beers typically have a relatively low alcohol by volume (ABV) compared to other beer styles, ranging from around 4% to 5%. This makes them sessionable and easy to drink, perfect for enjoying on a hot summer day or as a refreshing accompaniment to a meal.

Wheat Base: Gose beers are traditionally brewed with a significant portion of malted wheat in addition to barley malt. The use of wheat contributes to the beer's hazy appearance and adds a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.

Overall, Gose beer is known for its balanced combination of sourness, saltiness, and subtle spice, making it a distinctive and enjoyable style that appeals to both seasoned craft beer enthusiasts and those new to sour beers.

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