Kirkstall Brewery, in its current guise, has been operating since 2011. It started 8 years prior as an importer of American craft beers, much of where its inspiration now comes from. Citrusy, quality IPAs led the brewery to make their own versions of these popular beers. They were the sole distributors of Sierra Nevada in the UK. Following that distinctive relationship, Sierra Nevada supported Kirkstall Brewery with some of their hops, and leant on their expertise to create their own beer.

Amongst their collection of beers, is their flagship, Virtuous. It’s a very popular gluten-free, vegan-friendly session IPA. A special enzyme is added at the start of the fermentation process, to break down the gluten protein.

Very refreshing when served chilled, and non bloating due to being gluten-free, this 4.5% ABV beer is ideal for sitting and watching football. In particular, in this instance, Leeds United.

With Virtuous already well known and in production, Kirkstall Brewery approached local painter and artist, Andy McVeigh, to use one of his designs on their cans. Known in Leeds as the Burley Banksy, Andy started out by painting over graffiti and tagging that plagued the areas of Burley, Headingley and Kirkstall. This eventually led to the painting of communications boxes in and around Leeds (with council permission), predominantly with a Leeds United theme.

Virtuous beer, with its can redesigned in Andy’s, Leeds United colours, emblazoned with ‘We All Love Leeds,’ is most commonly found in Morrisons supermarket at a very reasonable price. As Covid-19 hit the world in early 2020, a large quantity of Virtuous that would normally be sold on draught, was hastily canned and sold directly to the public. Beer does not go to waste in Yorkshire.

Virtuous is a west coast style session IPA with hops of citra, sultana and simcoe. On the pour, it is straw in colour, with a small, frothy head, and medium-light body. Light and slow rising carbonation in the glass, Virtuous has a very zesty, citrus aroma. Most notable are lemon, lime and grapefruit, before finding pine and blueberry. Its complex malt base provides the balance.

Citrus notes are immediate on the first sip, which is also very refreshing, with a slight bitterness on the aftertaste. It’s not too strong that it masks the flavour, but it’s also enough to make it an easy drinking session IPA.

Kirkstall Brewery sticks to its traditional Yorkshire roots, and sits nicely amongst competitors such as Black Sheep and Timothy Taylor, in the pubs and on the shelves. Being based in Leeds, it can rely on strong connections with its community. As a one football club city, and the popularity of Andy McVeigh’s work, they have tapped into an easy marketing tool.

The colours of white, yellow and blue are synonymous with Leeds United, and the can really stands out on the shelf. So much so that Andy has told OnlyCans that the brewery is in the process of bringing another of his designs to life on one of their beers in the very near future. Andy even painted an ‘All Kirkstall Aren’t We’ communications box in the outdoor area of the brewery.

A session IPA with citrus shining through in aroma and taste. Buying Virtuous beer will make you feel good on many levels. Virtuous by name, nature, and at the heart of its Leeds community.

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Written by Andy Goldman, follow him @andygoldmancopy or by clicking here.

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