I’ve noticed North London based Hammerton are big into the funky flavoured stout but this sour beer from them really peaked my interest. ‘Chicha Sour’ is a beer made from Maize Morado, also known as Peruvian Purple Corn. The beer is based on Chicha Morada which is a traditional Peruvian soft drink and comes in at 4.9% ABV. After hearing the description from one of the breweries Sales Representatives I was really looking forward to trying this!

Due to the corn the beer pours an insane looking deep purple colour with an interesting off-pink head. Looks like a berry smoothie. There isn’t too much on the nose but what aroma there is reminds me of fruity popcorn almost or perhaps the rainbow drop sweets. The flavour however is full force. Really fruity and, for me, reminiscent of blackberries and double cream. The sweetness from the corn is very well balanced with the sourness from the beer making it very drinkable.

A quick note on the can art: Gorgeous can. Bright, vibrant colours often seen in the traditional Peruvian clothing contrasts well with the black background of the can wrap.

If this beer has no fruit in it then I am seriously impressed with the flavours being produced by this beer. I mean the ingredients list doesn’t mention any fruit so I guess I am seriously impressed. The corn used is evidently imparting an amazing berry like flavour that makes you think this is a fruited sour. I now want to try the soft drink and compare the two. The corn, I think, is also adding a buttery or biscuity quality that really adds to the body of the beer. Hammerton are very much flying under the radar when it comes to interesting flavour combinations in beer.

Score: 8.5/10

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Additional Information:

• Hops: Not Available
• Malt: Not Available
• IBU: Not Available
• ABV: 5.7%
• Gluten Free: No
• Vegan: Yes!