Born in Santa Catarina, Catharina Sour celebrates 10 years as Brazil’s first beer style to gain worldwide recognition.
With tropical fruits, bright acidity, and a strong national identity, Catharina Sour has become a global icon of Brazilian creativity since its inception in 2016. The style emerged in Florianópolis and soon gained international respect for its vibrant flavors and innovation.
The milestone is celebrated at Degusta Cervejas do Brasil in Blumenau (SC), a major festival featuring around 200 breweries from 12 states. Among the highlights are Liffey Brewery — creator of Coroa Real, a pineapple and mint pioneer — and Cervejaria Blumenau, the first to bottle the style with its peach version.
Today, variations range from guava and passion fruit to vanilla and spices. In 2021, the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) officially added the style to its global guide, and by 2022 it debuted as a category at the World Beer Awards (WBA).
BJCP president Gordon Strong said, “Freshness, fruit-driven acidity, and respect for ingredients make Catharina Sour a truly Brazilian expression of brewing today.”
The rise of Catharina Sour
2016 — First batch brewed as Coroa Real at Liffey (SC). 2017 — Style expands to new breweries and competitions. 2018 — Officially included at the Brazilian Beer Contest and provisionally listed by BJCP. 2021 — Added permanently to the BJCP beer guide. 2022 — Makes debut at the World Beer Awards. 2025 — French beer La Gueule De wins “Best Catharina Sour in the world,” confirming the style’s global reach.
With 98 entries in the 2026 Brazilian Beer Contest — second only to IPA — Catharina Sour remains a powerful example of Brazil’s brewing innovation and cultural export.
Photo: Divulgação
