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What is a Session Beer? Meaning & Best Terms To Know (2024)

What Is a Session Beer

Last Updated on March 17, 2024 by Lydia Martin

If you are navigating the world of craft beer, you have come across a session beer and wonder what this term means. What is a session beer?

They say if you want a beer that can keep the good times going and will not send people packing, you better get a session beer. 

But what is a session beer, and what makes it sessionable? If you are in search of the truth, then keep reading. 

Session Beer: What Is It, Really? 

Top view of a Glass with Beer

Session beer is all about drinkability and low alcohol content (generally below 4% or 5% ABV). It can be an ale or lager that you can repeatedly consume without getting drunk. 

“Those situations where people were drinking throughout the day already existed. And so our goal was to take a very responsible approach to that,”

– Chase Kushak, COO for Founders

Session beer is not a type of beer, but numerous beer styles can fall under the session umbrella.

It does not overwhelm the palate, and they are elegant and well-balanced. 

Session beers usually come with an ABV distinction that is below 5%, and with this, it gathers more fans as it allows more drinking and less buzz. 

Etymology & History 

The etymology of the term session is not entirely clear, but two versions make sense. 

Some believe that the “session” traces way back to British legislation in World War I, where English factory workers could drink on the job during two daily sessions: (1) lunchtime and (2) evening session. 

Others claim that the session implies more casual references to having an extended stay at the bar or pub [1]. 

6 Session Beer Styles 

1. Session Ipa

Session Ipa is one of the most widely known session beers. It is light-bodied and has lower alcohol content than its IPA (Indian Pale Ale) counterparts [2]. 

Session IPAs have a nice hoppy punch, citrus notes, and complex aromatics that are not as filling as other beers nor high in alcohol.

They are holding their weight in opposition to hoppy heavyweights. 

2. Stouts & Porters

Filling Beer on a Glass

Stouts and Porters feature a good amount of flavor despite being a light beer. Contrary to popular belief, stouts, and porters can have a relatively low ABV. 

Since stouts and porters have an easy drinking mouthfeel and relatively low alcohol content, it falls under the umbrella of session beers. 

3. Belgian Sessions

Most Belgian Sessions tend to be heavier on flavor profile, but some, like Witbier, are qualified to be a session beer. 

Belgian beers are usually at 6% ABV, but Belgian Sessions are offered with lower alcohol content with rich, complex flavors. 

Read: IPA vs Lager

4. Craft Light Beer

Craft breweries can deliver session beers with low alcohol content, like pilsners and lagers. You can enjoy it without sacrificing the interesting flavors of the beers. 

In addition, brewers have been innovating around IPA in recent years by inventing dry-hopping techniques and testing new ingredients to provide beers that are less in alcohol but more in flavor. 

5. Kettle Sours

2 Glasses of Kettle Sours

Kettle Sours is known for its unique production process and well-balanced taste. They are powerfully sour but offer low alcohol content, making them one of the best examples of a session beer.

Kettle Sours are drinkable, light-bodied, and packed with puckering charms. It is one of the best session beers to try while hanging out with friends and loved ones. 

Read: What’s A Draft Beer?

6. German Sessions

German Sessions like Gose and Kolsch are not advertised as session beer; however, their tasting notes and alcohol content meet the requirement of being one. 

Since it fits the low alcohol content and easy drinking accessibility, it can be considered a session beer. 

What Makes Beer Sessionable? 

Glass of Beer

Easy Drinking Mouthfeel 

Session beer features an easy-drinking mouthfeel as they are well-balanced, elegant, and will not overwhelm your palate. 

As the name suggests, it is sessionable because it is refreshing, light, and easy to drink. It is meant to be enjoyed in any activity, whether a social gathering, camping, or chilling. 

While any beer can be made with lower alcohol content, the goal is to balance the taste and ABV.

If it has a great drinking mouthfeel but has high abv, it cannot be considered a session beer. 

Low Alcohol Content 

A session beer should have a low alcohol content, typically below 5%, to qualify as one. 

One of the main reasons is that it can be served several times in one drinking session without reaching the level of intoxication. 

While some inclusive types believe that 6% ABV qualifies as a session beer, many breweries are adamant that the maximum ABV for session beer should be 4.5%. 

Read: Types of IPA Beers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do they call it a session beer?

The term “session beer” originated in England and refers to beers that are lower in alcohol content, allowing for extended drinking sessions without becoming overly intoxicated.

The concept of session beers emerged during World War I when factory workers in England were allotted short “sessions” of drinking time during their breaks.

These workers sought beers that were flavorful and refreshing but not too strong, enabling them to enjoy multiple rounds without becoming too inebriated to return to work.

As a result, session beers are characterized by their moderate alcohol content, typically ranging from 3% to 5% alcohol by volume (ABV), making them suitable for extended drinking sessions.

What does session mean in beers?

In the context of beers, “session” refers to a drinking session during which multiple beers are consumed over an extended period without becoming overly intoxicated.

Session beers are specifically crafted to be lower in alcohol content, typically ranging from 3% to 5% ABV, allowing drinkers to enjoy several rounds without experiencing the effects of higher alcohol beers.

The term “sessionable” is often used to describe beers that are light, flavorful, and easy to drink in quantity without overwhelming the palate or causing intoxication.

What defines a session IPA?

A session IPA, also known as a “sessionable IPA,” is a style of India Pale Ale (IPA) characterized by its lower alcohol content and balanced hop profile. While traditional IPAs often have higher alcohol content and intense hop bitterness, session IPAs are crafted to be more approachable and drinkable over an extended session.

Typically, session IPAs have an alcohol content ranging from 3% to 5% ABV, making them lighter and more refreshing than their higher-alcohol counterparts.

Despite their lower ABV, session IPAs still feature the hop-forward flavors and aromas associated with IPAs, including citrus, pine, and floral notes, balanced by a moderate malt backbone.

The goal of a session IPA is to provide the hoppy character and bitterness of a standard IPA in a more sessionable and easy-drinking package, suitable for enjoying multiple rounds without excessive intoxication.

What is session drinking?

Session drinking refers to the act of consuming alcoholic beverages over an extended period without becoming overly intoxicated. The term “session” originated in England and was initially used to describe the allotted drinking periods for factory workers during World War I.

These workers sought beers that were flavorful and refreshing but lower in alcohol content, allowing them to enjoy multiple rounds without becoming too intoxicated to return to work.

Today, session drinking typically involves enjoying beers with moderate alcohol content over a relaxed and sociable gathering, such as a casual get-together with friends or a leisurely afternoon at a pub.

How strong is a session beer?

A session beer is generally lower in alcohol content compared to other beer styles, typically ranging from 3% to 5% alcohol by volume (ABV).

The exact strength of a session beer can vary depending on the specific style and recipe, but the key characteristic is its moderate alcohol content, which allows for extended drinking sessions without becoming overly intoxicated.

Session beers are crafted to be flavorful and refreshing while remaining light enough to enjoy multiple rounds without overwhelming the palate or causing excessive intoxication.

What does session beer taste like?

Session beers come in a variety of styles, each with its own unique flavor profile. However, some common characteristics of session beers include:

Balanced flavor: Session beers are often crafted to be well-balanced, with harmonious interplay between malt sweetness, hop bitterness, and other flavor elements. They are typically not overly bitter or heavy on the palate.

Light and refreshing: Session beers are designed to be light-bodied and easy to drink, making them refreshing and thirst-quenching. They often have a clean finish that leaves the palate feeling refreshed and ready for another sip.

Moderate complexity: While session beers are lower in alcohol content, they can still offer a surprising amount of flavor complexity. Depending on the style, session beers may feature notes of malt, hops, yeast, and other flavor components that contribute to their overall character.

Versatility: Session beers come in a wide range of styles, including pale ales, lagers, wheat beers, and more. This diversity means there’s a session beer to suit almost any taste preference, from light and crisp to bold and flavorful.

Overall, session beers are designed to be enjoyable and easy-drinking, making them perfect for casual gatherings, outdoor activities, or any occasion where you want to savor a flavorful beer without feeling weighed down by its alcohol content.

What is a 500ml beer called?

A 500ml beer bottle is commonly referred to as a “pint” in many countries, especially in the UK and Europe. In the United States, a 500ml beer bottle might also be called a “pint,” although the term “pint” typically refers to a larger volume of 16 fluid ounces (473ml) in the U.S. In other regions, a 500ml beer bottle might simply be referred to by its volume, such as a “500ml bottle” or a “half-liter bottle.”

What are the characteristics of a session beer?

The characteristics of a session beer typically include:

Moderate alcohol content: Session beers are lower in alcohol content compared to other beer styles, typically ranging from 3% to 5% alcohol by volume (ABV). This allows for extended drinking sessions without becoming overly intoxicated.

Balanced flavor: Session beers are often characterized by a balanced flavor profile, with harmonious interplay between malt sweetness and hop bitterness. They are typically not overly bitter or heavy on the palate.

Light body: Session beers are light-bodied and easy to drink, making them refreshing and thirst-quenching. They have a clean finish that leaves the palate feeling refreshed and ready for another sip.

Sessionability: The term “sessionability” refers to a beer’s suitability for extended drinking sessions. Session beers are designed to be flavorful and enjoyable while remaining light enough to be consumed in multiple rounds without overwhelming the palate or causing excessive intoxication.

Overall, session beers are crafted to be approachable, easy-drinking, and suitable for casual gatherings or social occasions where multiple beers might be consumed over an extended period.

Who makes session beer?

Many breweries around the world produce session beers as part of their lineup. Some well-known breweries that specialize in session beers or offer sessionable options include:

Founders Brewing Co. (All Day IPA)
Firestone Walker Brewing Company (Easy Jack IPA)
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. (Sierra Nevada Pale Ale)
Lagunitas Brewing Company (DayTime IPA)
Oskar Blues Brewery (Pinner Throwback IPA)
Stone Brewing (Stone Go To IPA)
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery (SeaQuench Ale)

These breweries, among others, are known for their commitment to producing flavorful and approachable session beers that can be enjoyed over extended drinking sessions without sacrificing taste or quality.

What is considered a session?

In the context of beer, a “session” typically refers to a drinking session during which multiple beers are consumed over an extended period without becoming overly intoxicated. The term originated in England and was used to describe the allotted drinking periods for factory workers during World War I.

These workers sought beers that were flavorful and refreshing but lower in alcohol content, allowing them to enjoy several rounds without becoming too intoxicated to return to work.

Today, “session” often refers to beers that are crafted to be lighter in alcohol content, typically ranging from 3% to 5% alcohol by volume (ABV), making them suitable for extended drinking sessions without excessive intoxication.

How is session defined?

In the context of beer, “session” is defined by the moderate alcohol content of the beer, typically ranging from 3% to 5% ABV.

Session beers are crafted to be lighter and more approachable than their higher-alcohol counterparts, making them suitable for extended drinking sessions without overwhelming the palate or causing excessive intoxication.

The term “sessionable” is often used to describe beers that are light, flavorful, and easy to drink in quantity over an extended period.

What is the difference between beer and IPA?

Beer is a broad category of alcoholic beverage made from fermented grains, typically barley, hops, water, and yeast. It encompasses a wide range of styles, including lagers, ales, stouts, and more. IPA, or India Pale Ale, is a specific style of beer within the broader category of ales.

It is characterized by its hop-forward flavor profile, with prominent aromas and flavors of hops, which impart floral, citrus, pine, or herbal notes to the beer.

IPAs also tend to have higher bitterness levels compared to other beer styles, resulting from the use of a greater quantity of hops during the brewing process.

While IPA is a type of beer, not all beers are IPAs, and there are many other styles of beer with distinct characteristics and flavor profiles.

What is the purpose of session?

The purpose of a drinking session, often referred to as a “session,” varies depending on the context and the individuals involved. In social settings, such as gatherings with friends or outings to bars, a session provides an opportunity for relaxation, socialization, and enjoyment of alcoholic beverages in a convivial atmosphere.

For some, a session may serve as a means of unwinding after a long day, celebrating a special occasion, or simply enjoying the company of others. In cultural and historical contexts, such as traditional pub culture in England, sessions have played a role in fostering community bonds and providing respite from daily life.

Ultimately, the purpose of a session is subjective and may differ based on individual preferences, cultural norms, and social dynamics.

Is 4 beers enough to get drunk?

Whether four beers are enough to get someone drunk depends on several factors, including the individual’s body weight, metabolism, tolerance to alcohol, and the alcohol content of the beers consumed.

Generally, consuming four standard-sized beers over a relatively short period can result in noticeable effects of intoxication for many people.

However, the level of intoxication can vary widely among individuals, and factors such as food consumption, hydration, and overall health can influence how alcohol affects the body. It’s essential to drink responsibly and be aware of one’s own limits when consuming alcohol to avoid excessive intoxication and its associated risks.

Final Say, What is A Session Beer?

A session beer is a lighter, low-alcohol content beer you can consume in large amounts without getting wrecked. 

It is not a beer type, but it is used to describe beers that meet the requirement of being a sessionable alcoholic drink. 

Session beers are widely accepted and well-loved for their fantastic tasting notes, well-balanced palate profile, and relatively low alcohol content.

It can be celebrated at its best with friends, family, and food. 

References:

  1. More Drinking, Less Buzz: Session Beers Gain Fans
  2. Beer
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