What is a session beer and why do we want to drink them?
The origin of the term “session” is hazy but the concept is simple. A session beer allows one to consume several glasses over a few hours without reaching inappropriate levels of intoxication. It has been suggested the term originated, like many concepts in modern beer culture, in Great Britain. During World War I, the British Government imposed restrictions on alcohol consumption legislating two allowable drinking periods where workers could legally partake. The men would find a beer they could enjoy within these government mandated four hour sessions without getting too drunk or hung over. Long enjoyed in England as milds or bitters, these session style ales (i.e., those containing less than 5% ABV) have enjoyed a renaissance in the craft beer circles.
In America, we have witnessed explosive growth in the craft beer industry over the last 12 years. It is a great time to be a craft beer enthusiast with so many choices, varieties, and styles available. Just like anything outside the mainstream, craft brewing attracts those looking for an experience beyond the usual, something with more character and flavor than mass-produced beers. The American “bigger is better” mentality has created a groundswell in the craft beer industry toward bigger, bolder flavors and higher alcohol content. The trend toward increasingly higher ABV beer has paralleled developments in the food world. As people seek bold new flavors and taste experiences, craft brewers have followed suit with a plethora of beers with increasingly complex and challenging profiles. However, while these beers have presence and character, the high ABV makes these beers ill-suited for session drinking.
The definition of session beer may differ depending on whom you ask – for some, it’s a beer defined by strict alcohol by volume guidelines, generally referring to low alcohol beers 5 percent ABV or less (though some set the limit at 4 percent ABV). For others, the definition is more fluid, and drinkability (i.e., how easy it is to consume multiples of the beer) trumps a predetermined ABV limit. One thing both sides agree on though is that session beers are intended for mass consumption (over several hours) without causing drunkenness. Be it a back yard barbecue, block party, or pub, the most appealing aspect of session beer is the ability to enjoy them for an extended session with friends with minimal adverse impact.
Craft beer misconceptions persist about session beer. Contrary to perception, session beer does not need to be a slap in the face or shred taste buds; instead, a session drinker wants a beer that is interesting and tasty without overwhelming the palate. A session beer coaxes you to have another and perhaps another after that but you won’t wake up wondering what you did last night or “drunk texting” friends, like you might with multiple double IPAs.
Here are three session beers I recommend you try this summer:
Brooklyn Summer Ale – English Pale Ale | 5% ABV
Probably my favorite session beer. Smooth and refreshing, light but flavorful with 5% ABV, it is sunshine in a bottle.Brooklyn Summer Ale is a modern rendition of the “Light Dinner Ales” brewed in England throughout the 1800s right up until the 1940s. A light-bodied golden beer a fresh flavor. German and American hops lend a light crisp bitterness and a citrus/floral aroma, resulting in a beer with a very sunny disposition.
Widmer Hefeweizen – American Wheat | 4.9% ABV
A naturally cloudy beer made with the highest quality wheat. It is bold, clean, and flavorful with pronounced citrus and floral aromas that define American-style Hefeweizen. Pour yourself a cool, cloudy glass, finish with a lemon and enjoy one of the best wheat beers available.
Peak Organic Summer Session Ale – American Wheat | 5% ABV
A traditional summer wheat marries a west coast pale ale. This beer is crisp, clean, and refreshing, and among my favorites. There is just enough hop goodness to satisfy anyone’s citrus and pine cravings.
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