In the ever-evolving world of craft beer, few breweries have pushed boundaries quite like Vault City Brewing. Known for their unapologetically bold approach to sour beer, Vault City have carved out a reputation for intensity, innovation, and flavour-first brewing.
Their Triple Fruited Mango is a perfect embodiment of that ethos, rich, vibrant, and unapologetically indulgent.
First Impressions: A Glass Full of Sunshine
From the moment it hits the glass, this is no ordinary beer.
Coming in at a recently lowered 4.8% ABV, Triple Fruited Mango pours with a deep, glowing orange hue, bordering on opaque. With a texture that looks almost smoothie-like, there’s a density here, something substantial, that immediately signals this is going to be a different kind of drinking experience.
The head is minimal, fleeting, and secondary to the main event: fruit.
Aroma: Pure Mango Saturation
Before even taking a sip, the aroma makes its presence known.
This is mango in high definition:
- Ripe, pulpy sweetness
- Hints of tropical nectar
- A slight tang suggesting the sour base beneath
There’s very little restraint here. It smells less like a beer and more like freshly blended mango purée, lush, inviting, and almost decadent.
Flavour Profile: Intensity Without Apology
Vault City’s 'triple fruited' label is not a marketing exaggeration. It’s a promise, and one that is fully delivered.
On the palate, the beer is:
- Thick and full-bodied
- Packed with layered mango flavour
- Balanced by a gentle sour acidity
The mango dominates, but not in a one-dimensional way. Instead, it unfolds in stages:
- Sweet, ripe mango flesh on the front
- A slightly tart, tangy edge through the middle
- A lingering tropical richness on the finish
The sourness is present, but restrained enough to support rather than overshadow the fruit. This isn’t a sharp, puckering sour; it’s rounded, integrated, and deliberately positioned.
Texture and Mouthfeel: Beer Meets Smoothie
One of the defining characteristics of this beer is its mouthfeel.
This is not a light, crisp drink. Instead, it offers:
- A thick, almost pulpy texture
- A soft, rounded carbonation
- A creamy, coating finish
It drinks closer to a fruit smoothie or nectar than a traditional beer, blurring the line between beverage and dessert.
For some, this will be a revelation. For others, it may feel almost too indulgent, but that’s part of its identity.
Balance and Drinkability
At first glance, a beer this rich might seem overwhelming. And yet, Vault City manage to keep it just on the right side of drinkable.
The key lies in balance:
- The acidity cuts through the sweetness
- The carbonation prevents it from feeling heavy
- The fruit, while intense, remains clean and natural
That said, this is not a session beer. It’s something to savour, to explore, and to appreciate in smaller measures.
About Vault City Brewing
Founded in 2018, Vault City Brewing has rapidly become one of the UK’s most exciting and experimental breweries.
Specialising in modern sour beers, Vault City focus on:
- High fruit additions
- Lactose-driven body and sweetness
- Innovative flavour combinations
Their approach is heavily influenced by North American brewing trends, particularly the rise of 'smoothie sours,' beers that prioritise texture and fruit intensity as much as traditional brewing balance.
Despite their relatively short history, they’ve already established a strong national reputation, with a loyal following among craft beer enthusiasts.
Location: Edinburgh’s Creative Brewing Scene
Vault City is based in Edinburgh, a city better known for its history, architecture, and whisky heritage than cutting-edge beer.
However, in recent years, Edinburgh has quietly developed a thriving craft beer scene, with independent breweries pushing boundaries and redefining expectations.
Vault City’s presence reflects this shift:
- A move away from purely traditional styles
- A willingness to experiment with flavour and form
- A new generation of drinkers seeking something different
Set against the backdrop of a city steeped in history, Vault City represents a distinctly modern, forward-looking approach to brewing.
Final Thoughts: A Bold Statement Beer
Vault City Triple Fruited Mango is not a beer for everyone, and it doesn’t try to be.
It is:
- Bold
- Fruit-forward
- Texturally unique
- Unapologetically indulgent
For those willing to embrace its intensity, it offers a genuinely memorable drinking experience, one that challenges traditional ideas of what beer can be.
This is less about subtlety and more about impact. And in that sense, it succeeds completely.
A beer to share, discuss, and perhaps even debate, but above all, one that leaves a lasting impression.
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