Session Ipas: Light, Hoppy, And Easy-Drinking Beers

A session IPA is a beer that fills the middle ground between a hoppy IPA, a pale ale, and a session ale. It is made by reducing the strength of an IPA so that it has a lower alcohol content, less bitterness, and more malty notes. Session IPAs are ideal for those who want to enjoy a few beers with friends over an extended period without getting too drunk. They are characterised by their light and refreshing nature, lower ABV of around 3-5%, and well-established hop profile.

Session IPAs are less bitter and less alcoholic than IPAs

Session IPAs are a lighter, less bitter version of the traditional India Pale Ale (IPA). They are less alcoholic than IPAs, typically containing less than 5% alcohol by volume (ABV), although some sources state that they usually have an ABV of 6.5%-8%. This is still notably lower than traditional double IPAs, which have an ABV range of 6%-8%, and regular IPAs, which can have ABV levels exceeding 10%.

Session IPAs are designed to be enjoyed over an extended period, often social occasions referred to as 'sessions'. Their lower alcohol content means they can be enjoyed in greater quantities than higher-ABV IPAs. They are also less filling, making them a good choice for longer drinking sessions.

Session IPAs are less bitter than regular IPAs, which are known for their strong, hoppy flavour. Session IPAs still contain hops, but they are not as overpowering, creating a more balanced, light, and refreshing beer. To compensate for the reduced bitterness, brewers use a wider variety of malts to add depth and complexity to the flavour.

Session IPAs are usually pale in colour, ranging from pale to light amber. They are often packaged in cask or keg, as well as bottles and cans. They are a popular choice for those who want to enjoy the flavour of an IPA but with a lower alcohol content and a less bitter taste.

Session beers are so-called because they can be drunk over an extended period

Session beers are designed to be easy to drink and not too filling, so you can have more than one in a drinking session. They are often lower in calories, so you won't feel as full after having a few. Session beers can be made from any type of brew, including pilsners, blondes, lagers, hefeweizens, and pale ales.

Session IPAs, in particular, are a type of session beer that has gained popularity in the craft beer world. They are characterised by their hoppy profile and lower alcohol content compared to traditional IPAs. While IPAs typically have an alcohol percentage ranging from 6-8%, session IPAs have an alcohol content of around 3-5%. This lower alcohol content allows drinkers to take it slow and enjoy a few beers responsibly with friends.

Session IPAs also tend to have a less bitter taste than regular IPAs, as they have fewer hops. To compensate for the reduced bitterness, brewers use more malts to add depth and complexity to the beer. The result is a well-balanced, light, and flavourful beer that is perfect for drinking on a sunny day.

Session IPAs are a modern innovation, arriving around 2010

The modern session IPA style was pioneered by breweries like Massachusetts-based Notch Brewing, with the name "session IPA" first appearing in 2013 with beers like Founder's All Day IPA. Session IPAs are characterised by a generous use of hops, resulting in a more aggressive hopping and higher International Bitterness Units (IBU) than a typical pale ale.

Session IPAs are usually pale to light amber in colour and are made with all pale malt and some darker base malts for a slight toasty aroma and flavour. American ale yeast is commonly used, and the choice of hops—such as Citra, Strata, and Galaxy—is the most important part of the style.

Session IPAs have become incredibly popular, offering a lower-alcohol alternative to traditional IPAs without compromising on flavour.

Session IPAs are popular, with many drinkers enjoying their flavour and lower alcohol content

Session IPAs are incredibly popular, with many drinkers enjoying their flavour and lower alcohol content. They are a great choice when you want to hang out for an extended period of time, as their lower alcohol content means you can drink them slowly and responsibly without getting too intoxicated.

Session IPAs are characterised by their lower alcohol content, typically ranging from 3-5% ABV, in contrast to regular IPAs which usually have an alcohol content of 6-8% ABV or higher. This lower alcohol content makes Session IPAs perfect for socialising and enjoying with friends over a longer period of time. They are also often lower in calories, so you don't feel too full after having a few.

Despite their lower alcohol content, Session IPAs still pack a lot of flavour. They are known for their well-established hop profile, offering floral, fruity, or citrusy flavours. The lower malt and grain content in Session IPAs can result in an overly-hoppy, less sweet brew, but brewers use a special technique to ensure a balanced flavour profile. They use a wider variety of malts to add depth and complexity, creating a full flavour and mouthfeel.

Session IPAs are also typically light and refreshing, making them a great choice for a hot day or when you're looking for a thirst-quenching drink. They are not too bitter or too malty, striking the perfect balance of light and flavourful. This makes them accessible to both beer connoisseurs and occasional drinkers.

The modern session IPA arrived around 2010, and they have been a popular part of the craft beer world ever since. They are a great choice for those who love the flavour of IPAs but prefer a lower alcohol option.

Session IPAs are made with a higher ratio of unfermentable malt sugars

Session IPAs are a popular choice for beer drinkers, offering a lower alcohol content than traditional IPAs while retaining the delicious flavours of an IPA. They are ideal for socialising and enjoying with friends over an extended period.

Session IPAs are crafted with a unique brewing method to ensure they offer the same flavour profiles as traditional IPAs despite their lower alcohol content. Brewers use a higher ratio of unfermentable malt sugars, which are sugars that yeast cannot consume, to contribute to a fuller body and more depth in the beer. This higher ratio of unfermentable malt sugars is a crucial technique in achieving the desired flavour and mouthfeel of a Session IPA.

The unfermentable malt sugars play a key role in preventing the beer from becoming overly hoppy or less sweet. By using a wider variety of malts, brewers can add complexity and depth to the beer without making it overpoweringly bitter. This balance is a delicate one, but the skilled artisans behind Session IPAs have perfected the art of creating a well-rounded, flavourful beer.

In addition to the higher ratio of unfermentable malt sugars, ingredients like oats and wheat are often incorporated into the brewing process. These ingredients, with their high protein content, impart a velvety and creamy texture to the Session IPA, enhancing the overall mouthfeel and flavour experience.

The result is a beer that strikes the perfect harmony between light and flavourful. Session IPAs are known for their thirst-quenching characteristics, making them the ideal beverage for a warm day or a leisurely get-together with friends.

Frequently asked questions