LEITH HELLES LAGER

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The Story Behind Leith Helles: How We Brewed an Award-Winning Gluten-Free Lager

When we first set out to brew Leith Helles, we gave ourselves a strict challenge: create a crisp, authentic Bavarian-style lager that was certified gluten-free, but tasted completely indistinguishable from its gluten-containing peers.

We released our first batch on the 2nd of April—deliberately avoiding April Fool's Day so people would know we were serious! What started as an ambitious brew quickly turned into one of our biggest successes, eventually taking home Gold at the SIBA Awards 2025 for Best Session Lager and landing a finalist spot for 'New Beer of the Year' at the Brewer’s Congress.

The Secret: 8 Weeks of Patience

Wanting the beer to carry the full, rich body of a traditional Munich lager, we gave Leith Helles an extended 8-week maturation time. That patient conditioning allows the beer to clarify naturally, building a rich biscuit-malt depth and a razor-sharp, clean finish without relying on shortcut additives.

To finish it off, we dialled the carbonation up as high as possible while keeping it smoothly pourable on draft, giving every pint that lively, refreshing snap you expect from a proper lager.

A Modern Take on a Bavarian Classic

Inspired by our favourite continental lagers, we emulate classic Bavarian brewing methods but add a subtle craft twist. We blend traditional Saaz hops for floral noble aroma with a delicate touch of Cascade for a faint citrus brightness.

At 4.4% ABV, Leith Helles has become the everyday local lager of the Leith Shore—patiently brewed, certified gluten-free, and crafted for session drinking.