Where to Find the Best Sour Beer In & Near Saratoga Springs, NY
Sour beer in and near Saratoga Springs, NY is easier to find than ever—and better than you might expect. These tart, fruit-forward, and refreshingly unique brews are making a strong showing across local breweries, from Saratoga Springs to Malta and Ballston Spa to Gansevoort.
Whether you love a lip-puckering kettle sour or a gently tart farmhouse ale, there’s a spot in the region pouring something worth sipping. Let’s take a look at the top places to find a great sour beer!
Artisanal Brew Works
Artisanal Brew Works in Saratoga Springs has leaned into the sour beer trend in a big way, and it shows on their ever-evolving tap list. If you've been wondering where to buy sour beer in Saratoga Springs, this is one of the best places to start!
Known nationally for their Warheads Extreme Sour Ales, the brewery plays with bold flavors and big nostalgia—think Green Apple, Blue Raspberry, and Black Cherry sours that actually deliver the candy-like tartness. If you’re more into fruited sours with a natural vibe, their She’s Tert series rotates through tropical, citrus, and stone fruit blends.
I visited Artisanal for the first time in May 2025 and tried the Warheads Watermelon Sour Ale during their Burger and Beer Thursday special. The beer had the right mix of sweet and sour with that classic Warheads flavor—and it paired perfectly with the Wagyu smashburger.
Dancing Grain Farm Brewery
Dancing Grain Farm Brewery in Moreau is situated on a working farm, offering a one-of-a-kind setting to enjoy small-batch beer brewed with ingredients grown on-site. While their focus leans toward lagers and classic farmhouse styles, their rotating tap list occasionally features tart or sour-leaning ales—particularly in warmer months when citrus and berry flavors shine.
During a past trip, I especially enjoyed the grape-forward Faux-sé, which struck a great balance between acidity and fruit. I’m also looking forward to trying Can’t Refuse, their bright and tangy oak-aged cherry sour that sounds like a standout.
Whitman Brewing Company
Located just off Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs, Whitman Brewing brings a modern touch to traditional craft styles. Past releases like Splendid, Silent Sun—a fruited sour IPA brewed with mango, peach, and passion fruit—showcase their interest in blending tartness with hop character and smooth body.
The taproom's clean design and relaxed vibe make it a great spot for a laid-back afternoon, whether you're deep-diving into a sour or pairing it with a specialty pizza.
One guest shared, "Awesome brewery in downtown Saratoga Springs...Beer was wonderful, really liked the Oktoberfest and the mango sour."
Druthers Brewing Company
With a flagship location in Saratoga Springs and additional brewpubs throughout the Capital Region, Druthers Brewing Company may be best known for its crowd-pleasing mac and cheese and flagship IPAs, but their seasonal lineup includes creative sour releases worth watching for.
Popular beers like their Strawberry Dare and Passionfruit Double Dare add bright fruit character and a refreshing finish to their rotating tap selection.
With expansive indoor and outdoor seating, Druthers makes it easy to relax over a pint—especially when they’ve got something tart and fruit-forward on deck. Be sure to check their current tap list before you go.
Speckled Pig Brewing Co.
Speckled Pig Brewing Co. in Ballston Spa is tucked into a charming street corner just off the main village and has built a reputation for expressive, small-batch beer—and their fruited sours are no exception.
Options like Mosh Pit and Rebel Rose bring bold, juicy flavor with balanced tartness, while rotating releases like Head in the Clouds feature tropical fruit blends that are as refreshing as they are flavorful.
This family-friendly taproom pairs its beers with wood-fired pizza, offering a relaxed setting for a casual night out or sunny weekend lunch. As one visitor put it, "Both the beers and pizza were delicious! I had a flight of IPAs, sours, and wits and the mushroom pizza and all were amazing."
Unified Beerworks
Unified Beerworks, located in Malta, has embraced sours as part of its core identity, releasing inventive kettle sours under their Mostly Elemental and Fruit of All Evil series.
Expect flavor combos like Mango Cardamom or Blueberry Rosemary—beers that push boundaries while staying crisp and drinkable. Feel As One, a lighter fruited sour, rounds out the offerings with something sessionable and bright.
The space is warm and welcoming, with indoor seating, a pet-friendly patio, and a comfort food menu. It’s the kind of place where sour fans can easily lose an afternoon.
Active Ingredient Brewing Company
Also based in Malta, Active Ingredient Brewing Company is a science-inspired, small-batch brewery that often experiments with styles that fly under the radar, including fruited sours.
Releases like their Montmorency cherry ale offer a tart, clean finish that’s approachable even for those new to sour beers. Their limited-batch philosophy means selection varies, so it’s best to check what's currently on tap before heading over.
The taproom includes a full kitchen and a patio, making it a solid choice for an easygoing meal and a crisp, sour pour. “Great place to chill, have a drink and eat some really good food,” said one customer. “I highly recommend the Delta PH if you enjoy sours.”
Common Roots Brewing Company
Just north of Saratoga Springs in South Glens Falls, Common Roots Brewing Company combines innovation with approachability. Their seasonal sours—like the gin-and-tonic-inspired Give & Take or the tropical-forward Tropic Sour Ale—are brewed with balance in mind. These aren’t the face-contorting sours of early craft beer days; they’re nuanced and layered.
I’ve had several sour beers at Common Roots over the years, and they consistently deliver. I highly recommend the tropical Great Vibes for something smooth and bright, or the raspberry Tasteful Deception if you're after an extra tart punch.
Bound by Fate Brewing Company
Bound by Fate Brewing Company in Schuylerville brings a creative, family-run energy to the beer scene just east of Saratoga. Their tap list regularly rotates, and while sours aren’t always front and center, you’ll often find a fruited or farmhouse-inspired sour popping up in the mix.
Some of their pours have included dry-hopped tart ales and refreshing summer sours with locally sourced fruit. One example is Paper Parasol, a sour ale with notes of pineapple and coconut (think piña colada).
The cozy taproom and beer garden make for a great stop on a scenic drive or weekend outing, especially if you're looking to try something you won't find elsewhere.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re searching for sour beer in and near Saratoga Springs, NY, the options are far from souring—pun intended. Breweries across the region are crafting everything from candy-inspired sours to farmhouse ales, with fruit-forward twists and seasonal flair.
Whether you're sipping on a fruited sour beer straight from the tap or picking up a four-pack to-go, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this increasingly popular style. Be sure to check both local breweries and trusted retailers when planning your next tasting. Cheers!
