Virtuous
Kirkstall's flagship session IPA at 4.5%, brewed gluten-free and vegan in a west coast manner; Citra and Simcoe lead the hopping. The nose opens on grapefruit peel, lemon and lime. On the palate tropical and citrus fruit take over, joined by hints of pine and a touch of blueberry over a layered malt base and firm carbonation. Poured on cask and sold in cans; on record since 2017.
Tasting Notes
AI-generated sensory profile for Virtuous
Serve well-chilled. Session IPAs are at their best cold — the lower ABV means less warmth to balance the hops.
The curved shape concentrates hop aromas and supports a thick head. Essential for aromatic ales and IPAs where the nose is half the experience.
Drink fresh. Session IPAs are brewed to be consumed young — the hops are at their best now.
About Session IPA
Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives
What is a Session IPA?
IPAs are hop-forward ales with 5.5–7.5% ABV and IBU 40–70+. Bold hop aroma — citrus, tropical, resinous — with firm bitterness and a dry, clean finish.
Finding a similar Session IPA
hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same citrusy, tropical, hoppy character as Virtuous will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.






