Session IPA

A Session IPA (India Pale Ale) is a style of beer that merges the hoppy characteristics of a traditional IPA with a lower alcohol content, making it more suitable for extended drinking sessions. Typically, Session IPAs have an alcohol by volume (ABV) ranging between 3% and 5%, significantly lower than the standard IPA, which often has an ABV of 6% to 7.5% or higher.

Despite the reduced alcohol content, Session IPAs retain the bold hop flavors characteristic of IPAs, featuring aromatic profiles with notes of citrus, pine, floral, or tropical fruit. The malt backbone is lighter and less sweet, allowing the hops to shine while providing a crisp, refreshing finish.

This combination of strong hop flavors and a lighter body results in a beer that is flavorful yet easy to drink, making it ideal for social settings or long afternoons. Session IPAs have gained popularity, especially among craft beer enthusiasts who enjoy the vibrant hop-forward flavors of IPAs but prefer a beer that is less intense and more drinkable.

Many breweries now offer Session IPAs as part of their regular lineup, catering to those who seek a flavorful beer without the high alcohol content.