Vault City

Vault City Brewing emerged from Steven Smith-Hay's Edinburgh kitchen in 2018 and quickly became Scotland's largest sour beer producer. The Portobello brewery now turns out over a million litres annually, specialising in fruit-forward modern sours that take beer somewhere genuinely unexpected.

The name comes from Edinburgh's famous underground vaults, and that sense of exploration runs through everything they brew. Mixed fermentation techniques using yeast and bacteria create complex, layered beers rather than simply acidic ones. Fruits, lactose, and wild fermentation combine in ways that surprise even experienced beer drinkers.

Vault City leads on more than brewing. They became the first UK brewery to implement a four-day work week with no loss of pay, and commit to the London Living Wage as minimum salary. Progressive business practices complement progressive brewing.

The Wee Vault taproom offers 24 taps rotating Vault City beers alongside guest selections. Brewery tours with tank tastings let visitors see the operation up close. It's become a destination for sour beer enthusiasts visiting Scotland.

Their alcohol-free offerings bring the same inventive approach to the 0.5% category, proving that sour styles work well without alcohol. The natural tartness and fruit character translate effectively.

Available through specialist beer retailers and the brewery's online shop. If you're hunting for AF craft beer from somewhere with genuine creative conviction, this is a strong place to start.

The Collection

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