In a daring move that has set tongues wagging in the brewing world, Vault City, known for their adventurous approach to flavors, has introduced a sour beer that may just claim the title of “the sourest beer ever.” With a modest 4.3% alcohol by volume (ABV), this audacious creation, aptly named “Vault Dweller,” draws inspiration from the nostalgia-inducing Toxic Waste sweets, inviting consumers to relive their trick-or-treating days just in time for Halloween.
Vault Dweller, as described by the brewery, boasts a “triple sour hit of lemon and lime juice” harmoniously paired with a sour beer base, meticulously crafted to replicate the unmistakably sour essence of the iconic Toxic Waste sweets that were all the rage in the noughties.
Steven Smith-Hay, co-founder of Vault City, expressed their commitment to pushing the boundaries of flavor with this creation, stating, “The Vault Dweller might be a bit of a shock to the system – but that’s exactly what we’re going for. It’s about having fun with flavor.”
Addressing concerns from those who might be hesitant about adjunct-heavy beers, Smith-Hay clarified their approach, saying, “We like to celebrate all the rich diversity within craft beer, and while this might not be everyone’s cup of tea, this style has carved out a unique space for exploration and creativity that helps open up the category to consumers who haven’t previously enjoyed beer.”
He went on to emphasize the role of nostalgia in their brewing process, explaining, “We’ve always tapped into nostalgia to create our bold and interesting sour beers. Flavor, like great music, can transport a drinker to a particular place or time in their lives or memories, and that’s all part of the Vault City experience.” He emphasized that “nostalgia often plays a significant role in our appreciation of flavors.”
Smith-Hay underlined that at the heart of their unique creation lies the same mixed fermentation house culture that has been a hallmark of every Vault City release since the brewery’s inception. This base beer, replete with tropical and sherbet-like flavors, forms the perfect canvas for their foray into nostalgic releases, offering beer enthusiasts a taste of the past in an exciting new form.
