Boozah Brewery Scout: Kirkstall Brewery
About the brewery
Kirkstall is steeped in rich beer making history. Since 1152, beer was brewed by the Cistercian Monks of Kirkstall Abbey, from whom we draw a great deal of inspiration. Long after the dissolution of the monasteries, the first Kirkstall Brewery Company rose on the banks of the River Aire in 1833, and produced highly-regarded beers for 150 years, shipped as far as Australia and New Zealand on its own barges and steamships. So what better place to have a brewery?
Kirkstall Brewery themselves have over ten years producing the best beer possible in a range of styles and formats. They use their state of the art, five-vessel 50HL brewhouse built by SSV to brew everything from Three Swords destined for cask, to Judicious for can and keg. You can also visit their Taproom & Kitchen in Kirkstall. It is a showcase of everything we like to think we do well: the feel of both a modern taproom and old-fashioned pub, with a range of delicious cask ales, fresh keg beers and absolutely world-class pizza.
A few beers from Kirkstall that we at Boozah would recommend
Three Swords: This is an absolute classic and a favourite among us at Boozah! The name is derived from the coat of arms used by the Cistercian monks of Kirkstall Abbey. Three American hop varieties are used in abundance to deliver a crisp, aromatic pale ale with clean and refreshing citrus-fruit flavours.
Virtuous: This is a brilliant gluten free and vegan session IPA. A crisp, bright, west coast style session. All of that grapefruit peel, lemon and lime on the nose. Tropical and citrus fruits dominate, with hints of pine and a touch blueberry, balanced by its complex malt base and a solid carbonation.
Pilsner: There's nothing to dislike about this unfiltered lager. Clean, crisp and unfiltered. Hopped with Loral and Hersbrucker, they offer lemon zest and light floral notes. Served cold this is a great session beer. Absolute refreshment.
Honourable mentions
Veltins - A great example of a German Pilsner. Veltins Pilsener is brewed using natural spring water from its own mountain. It has a delicate dry and clean palate, fine carbonated body, slight bitterness and a light citrus finish. Brewed in Sauerland, near Dortmund, to the German Purity Law 1516. Voted 'World's Best Pilsner' in the 2007 World Beer Awards.