Sour Power
Gose, pronounced “Go Zeh” the lactic and salty specialty ale associated with the German cities of Goslar and Leipzig, has a chronicled history dating back more than a thousand years. But not so long ago, it was virtually extinct with the city of Leipzig, once the Gose epicenter, having had the political misfortune to end up behind the Iron Curtain and part of the Communist, anti-independent business German Democratic Republic from 1945 to 1989. Gose was known only to a shrinking base of locals and the odd beer tourist who made the trek to the few Leipzig pubs that still served the quirky specialty. Today, with interest sales of sour ales growing, “new-traditionalist” brewers in Germany, the U.S., Canada, and beyond, are recreating the style, generally with a nod towards a more “drinkable” palate. Original Ritterguts Gose is the real thing, the one example still made according to the traditional recipes—bold, sour, and funky, but with the elusive old-German qualities of balance and complexity. Thanks to entrepreneur and beer aficionado Tilo Jänichen for resurrecting the brand and making it available for export to select markets. Beer lovers in Ontario are fortunate to have Original Ritterguts Gose available for a limited time, so make your way to your favourite LCBO outlet and experience this very special brew.