Gose: what it is, how to pronounce it, recipe and history of the German sour beer

Looking for Gose and craft sour beers? Discover the selection on Maltese — Gose, Berliner Weisse, Lambic and much more. Shipping 24-48h.

Gose: what it is, how to pronounce it, recipe and history

Gose is a distinctive German beer style: slightly sour, wheat-based, spiced with coriander and — distinctively — enriched with salt. Refreshing and easy to drink, perfect for summer and unusual food pairings.

What is Gose?

Traditional sour ale originating from Leipzig, Germany. Main characteristics:

• Light and clear body, with a significant percentage of wheat.
• Moderate acidity (kettle sour or spontaneous fermentations).
• Coriander as a spice and distinctive salty note.
• Low ABV: typically 4–5%.

How do you pronounce "Gose"?

In German: GOH-zeh. The o is closed as in "gola" and the final e is a light vowel.

Gose vs Sour: the differences

• Salt and coriander: Gose is almost always characterized by saltiness and coriander, which is rare in other sour beers.
• Body: fuller than a Berliner Weisse thanks to wheat, less complex than lambic or gueuze.
• Method: many modern Gose use kettle souring; lambic rely on spontaneous fermentations.

Bayerischer Bahnhof and Leipziger Gose

Gose is closely linked to Leipzig. The "Bayerischer Bahnhof" brewery contributed to the rediscovery and modern production of Leipziger Gose in the 20th and 21st centuries, preserving the local tradition.

Basic recipe for homebrewing (20 L)

• Malts: 60% Pilsner, 40% light wheat — about 3–4 kg total.
• Target OG: 1.040–1.048; FG: 1.006–1.010; ABV ~4–5%.
• Hops: minimal, noble varieties with low AA.
• Spices and salt: 5–10 g toasted coriander; 3–5 g salt (e.g. Maldon).
• Kettle sour: cool to 40–45°C, inoculate Lactobacillus for 24–48h until pH 3.2–3.6, then boil and ferment with ale yeast at 18–22°C.

Felicitazioni Cocoa Gose — a craft experiment

Ca' del Brado's Gose with cocoa: an example of how the style lends itself to contemporary experiments.

Buy Felicitazioni Cocoa Gose by Ca' del Brado on Maltese →

Aviator Gose — the classic American

Classic and precise Gose from the brewery in Fuquay Varina (North Carolina, USA): well-measured Maldon salt and coriander, tradition with contemporary touches.

Buy Aviator Gose on Maltese →

Food pairings

• Seafood and oysters: the saltiness enhances the taste of the sea.
• Spicy or hot dishes: acidity cleanses the palate.
• Fresh and goat cheeses, sushi, citrus salads.

Discover the selection of Gose and sour beers on Maltese → Gose, Berliner Weisse, Lambic. Shipping in Italy 24-48h.