{"title":"Vault City Brewing","description":"\u003cp\u003eVault City Brewing comes from Edinburgh and makes modern sour beers with real fruit. Steven Smith-Hay started in 2018 as a homebrewer in his own kitchen. The brewery is known for heavily fruited sours on a mixed-fermentation base, a constant stream of new releases and a few hefty stouts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!--verhaal--\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrom kitchen table to Portobello\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVault City Brewing was founded in 2018 by Steven Smith-Hay, a former IT consultant and homebrewer from Edinburgh. He started in his own kitchen and soon moved to a space of his own in Portobello, right by the sea. The name refers to the underground vaults of the city.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the beginning he brewed batches of around 400 litres. According to the source, the brewery now produces more than a million litres a year. By its own account, it was also the first British brewery with a four-day working week without loss of pay, and it pays at least the London Living Wage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eModern sours with real fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith his homebrews, Steven found a niche: heavily fruited sour beers, popular with beer fans and with people who don't normally drink beer. That style is still at the centre. The slogan is Modern Sour Beer. The base is a beer with mixed fermentation, combined with real fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe describes it himself as big, fruity, approachable beers with a sweet-sour balance and the occasional ridiculous idea. The brewery releases at least six new flavours every month, alongside a core range that includes Strawberry Sundae, Cloudy Lemonade and Triple Fruited Mango. Many releases are small batches, one-offs or seasonal. Besides sours, they also make stouts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eVault City Brewing at Hoptimaal\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith us you'll mainly find sour beers from Vault City Brewing, along with a few stouts. Most come in 44 cl, a few in 33 cl. The strength ranges from 3.3 to 11 percent. Highly rated on Untappd are Stoopid Spaceshake, PUNCH: Mandarin, Mango \u0026amp; Pineapple, Bake-Off: Cranachan and Bake-Off: NY Cheesecake, among others. The range changes, so have a look at what's in stock right now.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrink the fruity sours fresh and well chilled, so the fruit stays at its sharpest. According to the brewery, lighter sours work well as an aperitif, while darker, stronger beers suit a closing glass better. With the heavier stouts, take a bit more time and don't serve them ice cold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!--faq--\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere does Vault City Brewing come from?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVault City Brewing comes from Edinburgh in Scotland. Steven Smith-Hay founded the brewery in 2018, started in his kitchen and then moved to a space of his own in Portobello.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat kind of beer does Vault City Brewing make?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMainly modern sour beers on a mixed-fermentation base with real fruit, with a sweet-sour balance. They also make stouts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the best way to drink Vault City Brewing's sour beers?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFresh and cool, so the fruit comes through well. According to the brewery, lighter sours suit an aperitif and darker, stronger beers suit the end of the evening.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"vault-city-brewing-cherry-drizzleberry-cupcake","title":"Vault City Brewing Cherry Drizzleberry Cupcake","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e  \u003cp\u003eA modern sour that elevates the bakery concept to new heights. Vault City combines their signature mixed fermentation base with generous amounts of cherries and strawberries, complemented by vanilla and cacao nibs for an authentic cupcake experience.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eOn the nose, expect sweet cherry jam and fresh strawberries with subtle vanilla undertones. The palate brings together juicy stone fruits and summer berries with a delicate sweetness reminiscent of icing drizzle. The mouthfeel is creamy and full-bodied, while the finish stays fresh with light cocoa hints and pleasantly mild acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eVault City from Edinburgh is Scotland's largest producer of modern sour beers. Since 2018, Steve and Johnny have been crafting heavily fruited mixed fermentation sours, using literally tonnes of real fruit per recipe.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vault City Brewing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58646449881433,"sku":null,"price":5.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/1-88_processed.png?v=1784724906"},{"product_id":"vault-city-brewing-imperial-pastel-de-nata","title":"Vault City Brewing Imperial Pastel De Nata","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e  \u003cp\u003eVault City Brewing reimagines the iconic Portuguese pastry as an imperial sour: creamy vanilla custard, caramelised crust, and a fresh acidity that keeps the sweetness in check. At 8% ABV, this is a full-bodied, dessert-like beer that goes well beyond simple fruit purées.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eOn the nose, expect immediate vanilla custard and burnt sugar, like the caramelised top of a fresh-baked tart. The palate delivers a rich, creamy texture with notes of egg yolk, cinnamon, and lemon. The acidity cuts through the sweetness, making each sip surprisingly drinkable. Finish shows subtle caramel bitterness and a hint of puff pastry.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eVault City Brewing from Edinburgh is Scotland's largest producer of modern sour beers. Since 2018, Steve and Johnny have crafted heavily fruited, mixed-fermentation sours using literal tonnes of real fruit and creative flavour combinations that push well beyond conventional boundaries.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vault City Brewing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58646449914201,"sku":null,"price":8.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/1-97_processed.png?v=1784724906"},{"product_id":"vault-city-brewing-punch-mandarin-mango-pineapple","title":"Vault City Brewing PUNCH: Mandarin, Mango \u0026 Pineapple","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e  \u003cp\u003eVault City delivers a tropical fruit explosion where mandarin, mango and pineapple take centre stage. This modern sour demonstrates exactly why the Scottish brewery became a specialist in heavily fruited sour beers.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eOn the nose, fruit bursts forward immediately: juicy mandarin leads, followed by ripe mango and the fresh sweetness of pineapple. The acidity stays present without overpowering, giving the fruit all the space it needs. The finish is refreshing and lightly effervescent, with 7% ABV surprisingly easy-drinking. The mouthfeel is full and soft, thanks to the substantial amounts of real fruit Vault City works into their recipes.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eVault City Brewing from Edinburgh has been Scotland's largest modern sour beer producer since 2018. Starting in a kitchen with 400-litre batches, they grew into a brewery that uses literal tonnes of real fruit per recipe in mixed fermentation beers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vault City Brewing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58646449946969,"sku":null,"price":8.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/1-89_processed.png?v=1784724905"},{"product_id":"vault-city-peach-apricot-pastel-de-nata","title":"Vault City Peach \u0026 Apricot Pastel De Nata","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e  \u003cp\u003eVault City merges the sweet character of peach and apricot with the creamy texture of Portuguese pastry. A sour that goes beyond fruit alone – the buttery pastry influence shows in mouthfeel and finish.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eRipe peach dominates on the nose, followed by softer apricot tones. On the palate, a surprising fullness emerges: the fruit acids from the sour base are cushioned by a creamy, almost custard-like texture. The finish lingers pleasantly, with a gentle sweetness reminiscent of baked puff pastry with compote.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eVault City from Edinburgh is known for their inventive sours that often incorporate dessert inspirations. This Scottish brewery deliberately explores the boundaries between beer and patisserie.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vault City","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58654241816921,"sku":null,"price":5.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/1-96_processed.png?v=1784724906"},{"product_id":"vault-city-brewing-tropical-table-sour","title":"Vault City Tropical Table Sour","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt just 3.3% ABV, this Tropical Table Sour from Vault City Brewing offers an easy-drinking take on the sour style, built for sessions rather than sipping.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eTrue to its name, tropical fruit takes the lead here, layered over the tart, mixed-fermentation base that runs through Vault City's beers. The low ABV keeps the body light, finishing dry and refreshing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eVault City Brewing, based in Edinburgh, is recognised as Scotland's largest sour beer producer, building its beers since 2018 on a mixed-fermentation base loaded with real fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eServing\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eBest served chilled around 4-6°C in a tulip glass, or straight from the can on a warm afternoon.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Vault City Brewing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58780456780121,"sku":null,"price":4.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/IMG_0098_processed.png?v=1786015726"},{"product_id":"vault-city-brewing-double-m-rs","title":"Vault City Double M*rs","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt 8% ABV, Double M*rs is a full-bodied stout from Vault City Brewing, a brewery in Edinburgh recognised for its bold, exploratory approach to brewing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eExpect a deep, opaque black pour with a rich, creamy mouthfeel carried by roasted malt character. The higher ABV brings extra depth and a warming finish typical of the style.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eFounded in 2018 in Edinburgh, Vault City Brewing has grown into Scotland's largest producer of sour beer, while also exploring a wide range of other styles.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vault City Brewing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58780456878425,"sku":null,"price":6.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/IMG_0097_processed.png?v=1786015726"},{"product_id":"vault-city-brewing-mint-choc-chip-quadruple-scoop","title":"Vault City Mint Choc Chip - Quadruple Scoop","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp\u003eChocolate and mint collide in this imperial stout from Vault City Brewing, brewed to a robust 11% ABV.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOn the nose, expect rich dark chocolate leading into a cooling mint character reminiscent of after-dinner mints. The body is thick and velvety, finishing long with cocoa and a lingering menthol edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eVault City Brewing, based in Edinburgh, is best known as Scotland's largest sour beer producer, though this stout shows they're happy to step outside that lane too.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vault City Brewing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58780456943961,"sku":null,"price":8.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/IMG_0100_processed.png?v=1786015726"},{"product_id":"vault-city-brewing-mango-pineapple-passionfruit-vegan-sorbet-double-scoop","title":"Vault City Mango, Pineapple, Passionfruit Vegan Sorbet - Double Scoop","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe name Double Scoop says it all: this vegan sorbet sour from Vault City packs a double dose of mango, pineapple, and passionfruit into every can.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOn the nose, expect ripe tropical fruit – sweet mango, juicy pineapple, and the tangy bite of passionfruit. The tartness keeps things bright while the fruit character carries through to a long, fruity finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eVault City Brewing, based in Edinburgh, has grown since its founding in 2018 into Scotland's largest sour beer producer, built on a mixed-fermentation base and generous amounts of real fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vault City Brewing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58780457271641,"sku":null,"price":8.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/IMG_0099_processed.png?v=1786015726"},{"product_id":"vault-city-brewing-bake-off-matcha-mochi","title":"Vault City Bake-Off: Matcha Mochi","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp\u003eVault City Brewing takes a classic Japanese dessert and pours it into a glass: this sour brings together matcha and mochi in one fresh, fruit-forward package.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe name gives away the inspiration: on the nose, expect the bitter freshness of green tea alongside the soft, slightly chewy sweetness of rice cake. At 7.4% ABV, this sits stronger than the average sour, with the sharpness of matcha keeping the sweeter notes in check.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eEdinburgh-based Vault City Brewing is the UK's largest producer of modern sour beers, known for experimental, heavily fruited creations.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vault City Brewing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59634120360281,"sku":null,"price":8.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/IMG_0721_processed.png?v=1790771822"},{"product_id":"vault-city-brewing-bake-off-sago-pudding","title":"Vault City Bake-Off: Sago Pudding","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp\u003eWith \"Bake-Off: Sago Pudding,\" Vault City Brewing returns to the kitchen for a dessert-inspired sour, promising comfort food in liquid form from one of Scotland's largest sour beer producers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOn the nose, expect a hazy, juicy sour at 5.8% ABV built on Vault City's signature sweet-sour balance. Specific flavor details for this release haven't been disclosed by the brewery, but the dessert-inspired name hints at a creamy, rounded character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eVault City Brewing has been brewing in Portobello, Edinburgh since 2018 and has grown into the UK's largest producer of modern sour beers, known for a steady stream of fruit-forward new releases.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vault City Brewing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59634121703769,"sku":null,"price":8.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/IMG_0722_processed.png?v=1790771822"},{"product_id":"vault-city-brewing-bake-off-ny-cheesecake","title":"Vault City Bake-Off: NY Cheesecake","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp\u003eBake-Off: NY Cheesecake joins Vault City Brewing's ever-growing lineup of fruited sours, this time taking inspiration from a classic bakery treat.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe name hints at a dessert-style character built on a sour base, in line with what this Edinburgh brewery is known for. At 5.3% ABV, the beer stays approachable and easy-drinking without losing body.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eVault City Brewing, based in Edinburgh, is the UK's largest producer of modern sour beers, releasing at least six new flavours every month.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vault City Brewing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59634121834841,"sku":null,"price":8.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/IMG_0719_processed.png?v=1790771821"},{"product_id":"vault-city-brewing-bake-off-cranachan","title":"Vault City Bake-Off: Cranachan","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp\u003eBake-Off: Cranachan plays on the classic Scottish dessert, reimagined as a 5% ABV sour.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOn the nose, expect a bright tartness paired with a dessert-like character that nods to its namesake. The finish stays crisp and refreshing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eVault City Brewing, based in Edinburgh, is one of the UK's largest producers of modern sour beers, brewing by the sea in Portobello since 2018.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vault City Brewing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59634121965913,"sku":null,"price":8.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/IMG_0723_processed.png?v=1790771822"},{"product_id":"vault-city-brewing-stoopid-spaceshake","title":"Vault City Stoopid Spaceshake","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp\u003eVault City Brewing, one of the UK's largest sour beer producers, delivers a lively 5.5% ABV sour with Stoopid Spaceshake.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOn the nose, expect a bright, tangy acidity typical of the modern sour style Vault City is known for. The body comes through juicy and refreshing, finishing with a short, slightly tart edge that invites another sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBrewery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eVault City Brewing has been brewing in Portobello, Edinburgh since 2018, growing into one of the UK's largest producers of modern sour beers with an annual output in the millions of litres.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vault City Brewing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59634122096985,"sku":null,"price":8.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/0076\/4249\/files\/IMG_0720_processed.png?v=1790771822"}],"url":"https:\/\/hoptimaal.com\/en\/collections\/vault-city-brewing.oembed","provider":"Hoptimaal","version":"1.0","type":"link"}