North East Beer Review

I purchased this brew whilst on my travels to Scotland, specifically Dunfermline. I stopped off at a Craft Beer store within the area with the aim of trying something brewed relatively close to where I was staying. This is when I decided to try Campervan Leith Juice, a 4.7% Session IPA. Adorned with a cool can design and being located “somewhat” close to Dunfermline, I thought why not. So what did I think? To find out I will cover the history of this beer and brewery, the pour, the flavour profile and finally my verdict.

An brewery inspired by a VW Campervan

Campervan Brewery is an independent craft brewery based in Leith, Edinburgh. The brewery was founded by Paul Gibson, whose passion for homebrewing grew during a challenging period in his life. Inspired by a 1973 Volkswagen campervan called “Olive”, Gibson combined his love of beer, travel, adventure and the outdoors to create Campervan Brewery.

The brewery was opened in 2017 in Leith, Edinburgh and was followed by the opening of ‘lost in leith’, one of the few specialist beer bars in Scotland catering to a variety of styles from across the world. The brewery quickly built a reputation for producing approachable, flavour-packed beers that showcase modern brewing techniques while remaining accessible to a wide audience. Today, Campervan Brewery is regarded as one of Edinburgh’s leading craft breweries, operating a modern brewhouse and taproom in the heart of Leith.

In 2023-2024, Campervan expanded to increase beer production by partnering with Brewstar Systems, Bespoke Brewing Solutions and Fermecraft. From their website they that their “first of it’s kind in the UK & Europe incorporating 4 new 6000L fermenting vessels, bringing our total to a 40,000L capacity. We have a 3-vessel fully automated brewhouse consisting of a mash conversion vessel, a lauter tun and a kettle whirlpool vessel. These three parts, in their own special ways, improve our brewing methods and increase efficiency.” This expansion means more great beer, higher specification and less manual work.

Leith Juice is one of Campervan’s flagship beers and has become majorly recognisable within the Scottish beer scene. Released shortly after the brewery’s launch, the beer was designed as a highly drinkable Session IPA that combines American hops with generous additions of orange zest.

Leith Juice is 4.7% ABV Gluten Free and Vegan Session IPA. Brewed to reflect the character of Leith, the beer presents tropical notes whilst maintaining a refreshing bitterness. It is hopped with Simcoe and Cascade hops. Over the years, this has remained one of Campervan’s best selling brews and helped establish its reputation across Scotland and even across the border.

A glowing pour

Leith Juice pours a bright yellow to golden colour which has a slight hazy appearance to accompany the glowing nature. A lively and foamy white head forms which retains throughout much of the drinking the experience, leaving a delicate ring of lacing down the glass. Overall, this brew is bright, inviting and ultimately incredibly refreshing looking.

A flavour of tropical and citrus fruits

Aroma

Leith Juice opens with a vibrant citrus flavour, that of orange and grapefruit zests. The addition of the American hops gives Leith Juice a subtle tropical aroma with slight piney and floral note too. Overall, this has a vibrant and complex aroma which allows for Leith Juice to appear incredibly inviting and refreshing.

Taste

On the palate, Leith Juice delivers a burst of citrusy flavours such as orange and grapefruit. Tropical fruits emerge mid palate with flavours of passion fruit and mango present. This is supported by a light biscuity malt backbone which doesn’t overpower the hops. A gentle piney bitterness offers a refreshing addition to the session IPA. The finish leans more towards it being crisp, clean and dry with a slight lingering citrus bitterness, enticing you to another sip. Leith Juice remains highly drinkable, with the moderate 4.7% ABV making it an easy-drinking Session IPA that encourages another sip.

Time for my verdict

To begin I am intrigued to try more from Campervan Brewery as I was impressed with Leith Juice. It was one of those brews that you could smash a lot of and it went down really well. I really enjoyed the simplicity of the brew as it allowed the hops to shine whilst using a gentle malt base to balance out the brew. At the moment I am well into my stronger ales, but this was a nice refreshing come down and change. Overall, I rate this a great 4.25 out of 5.

Where did I purchase Leith Juice?

I bought this from a friendly bottle shop and taproom called The Caledonian Craft Beer Merchant.

Thanks for reading my review, If you enjoyed this review you will love my review of Edinburgh Beer Factory Untitled IPA.