Scots brewer brings back Buckfast-inspired sour beer

A Scottish brewery has recreated a popular beer, inspired by the nation's love of Buckfast.

An Edinburgh brewery is celebrating the return of one of their favourite creations - a Buckfast-inspired sour beer. 

Having sold 7,000 litres of their first release, the mad scientists of sour beer, Vault City, have brought back this popular Buckie brew.

Paying homage to the tonic wine loved by Scots, this brew is packed with the familiar, nostalgic flavours of, the team say, sweet stewed fruits, a hint of cough medicine, and the juicy twist of black grapes. 

It’s a big flavour for a big night, with 8.3% ABV that’s sure to keep the party going strong, which is why it's typically served in half or third pints.

Co-founder Steven Smith Hay said of the relaunch: “We wanted to create a drink that wasn’t just a beer; it’s a cultural phenomenon in a can.

“We are thrilled about the reception to our Buckfast-inspired brew. Having sold the equivalent of 15k cans of this first release, we couldn’t ignore the demand. 

“We are proud to bring a taste of Scottish culture to customers far afield and to cater to those looking for more accessible, funky flavours of sour beer.”

Buckfast beer

The brewery, based in Portobello, is certainly not afraid to experiment with Scotland’s most-loved flavours – this comes after their release of Iron Brew in January, an alcoholic twist on the nation’s favourite fizzy drink. 

Earlier this year, Vault City released the DDF Caterpillar Cake Imperial Stout to celebrate their birthday.

Vault City’s creative concoctions have taken the world by storm, with their beers now available in more than 20 countries and over 250 bars. 

For those who prefer to shop local, the Edinburgh brewer is stocked in Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, and Waitrose.

Over 300 bars and pubs named best in Scotland in 2025 Good Beer Guide

Not just a trailblazer in taste, Vault City has also made headlines as the first UK brewer to embrace a four-day working week, while pledging to pay staff the London Living Wage; £13.15 per hour instead of the Real Living Wage, £12 per hour. 

Known for their boundary-pushing drinks like Strawberry Banana Milkshake, Raspberry Blueberry Bubblegum, and Jaffa Cakes, Black Grape Buckie V.2 is sure to be a popular new addition to the Vault City range.

Vault City’s new release, the Black Grape Buckie V.2, is available to buy online now.

While Vault City have provided something juicy, Thiccc Sauce has you covered on the saucy side of things – a BBQ Buckfast Glaze in collaboration with Vault City is available online for £8. 

'Mad scientist' Scottish brewery unveils double-deep-fried caterpillar cake beer

Porty Vault - Vault City's Portobello Taproom & Choola Nepalese Pop-Up Kitchen, Portobello High Street, Portobello, Edinburgh, UK
Porty Vault - Vault City's Portobello Taproom & Choola Nepalese Pop-Up Kitchen, Portobello High Street, Portobello, Edinburgh, UK, EH15 2AW
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Known for cake making, experimental jam recipes, Champagne, whisky and gin drinking (and the inability to cook Gnocchi), Rosalind is the Food and Drink Editor and whisky writer for The Scotsman, as well as hosting Scran, The Scotsman's food and drink podcast.
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