Session Beer

Session Beer and Hops Fit for Balancing Flavor and Buzz on a Lazy Sunday

Reading Time: around 13 min

Session beer is your laid-back buddy at the bar, always down for a good time without hitting too hard. With its low alcohol content, usually under 5% ABV, and high drinkability, you can kick it back throughout the evening. 

Without any risk of toppling off your barstool.

It’s the marathon runner of brews, built for endurance rather than speed.

But let’s not forget that flavor is king, and picking the right hops is like choosing the perfect spice for your gourmet dish. Certain hops varieties can elevate your session beer from “just another pint” to the talk of the town. 

You want a hop that brings character without overwhelming your taste buds.

Something that whispers class but doesn’t shout.

Key Takeaways

  • Picking hops with balanced flavor is critical for a superior session beer.
  • The best session beers have nuanced tastes and maintain low alcohol content.
  • Find hops that add personality without dominating, ensuring an easy-drinking experience.

 

The Art of Session Beers

Fancy a pint you can enjoy all afternoon without the room spinning? 

Let’s chat about the superhero of the beer world: the session beer.

Main Characteristics

  • Hoppy aromas: Citrus, Pine/Resinous, Floral, Tropical Fruit, Herbal/Spicy
  • Malty aromas: Bready/Biscuity, Caramel, Nutty, Chocolate, Cereal/Grainy
  • IBU bitterness: 10 to 35
  • Alcohol level: 3% to 5% ABV
  • SRM color range: 2+ (depending on the underlying style)

 

Defining Session Beer

Think of session beers as the friend you can hang out with all day without wanting to take a nap. They’re typically lower-abv (alcohol by volume), sitting below 5%. Perfect for when you want to sip on something all afternoon without any regretful karaoke performances. 

And if you’re eyeing that trendy Session IPA…

…expect all the hoppy goodness with way less booze.

Historical Origins

Put your time machine goggles on! We’re jetting back to England during World War I. Workers were entitled to drinking breaks. Yeah, you heard me, paid to drink! 

Hey, don’t look at me; I don’t make the rules. These beers had to be easy-drinking to keep everyone merrily chugging along without stumbling back to work. 

Hence, the birth of the session beer.

Modern Popularity

Flash forward to today, and you’ve got the whole world jumping on the session bandwagon. Walk into any craft brewery, and you’ll likely spy a session beer lurking in the menu, wearing its lower-abv badge proudly. 

They’re the Marathons of malt, letting you go the distance without a Brexit-level exit strategy. Why? Well, because you and I love good taste and good company. Just not slurring our words by round three.

Hop to It: Varieties and Their Properties

When you’re crafting that perfect session beer…

…picking the right hops is like choosing the secret spice for your grandma’s legendary chili. It’s all about the flavor, the aroma, and the punch they pack.

Alpha Acids and Bitterness

Let’s talk bitterness, your beer’s backbone. Alpha acids are the gatekeepers of pucker, found in hops’ resinous glands. Think of them as the unsung heroes that provide the bitter counterpoint to malty sweetness. 

Here’s a swift, no-nonsense rundown:

  • High Alpha: Hops like ‘Magnum’ and ‘Warrior’ are bruisers with high alpha acids. Perfect when you’re aiming for that hop-forward bite.
  • Low Alpha: For a gentle nudge of bitterness, ‘East Kent Goldings’ or ‘Fuggle’ are your pals. With lower alpha acid levels that won’t slap your taste buds around.

 

Aromatic Vs. Bittering Hops

Getting that hoppy aroma just right? It’s like hitting the high notes in karaoke. It takes practice and the right hops. Aromatic hops are your frontline crooners, bringing in the melody of scents that make noses happy.

Aromatic Hops

  • Vocal Varieties: Citra, Cascade, Amarillo
  • Use: Tail-end of brewing, dry-hopping
  • Result: They’ll make your beer sing with floral, citrus, and even tropical notes.

 

Bittering Hops

  • Strong Types: Nugget, Columbus
  • Use: Early in the boil
  • Result: These workhorses lay down the bitter rhythm of your beer.

 

The Role of Essential Oils

Essential oils in hops are your brew’s personal perfumer. 

They are the invisible, yet integral genie in the bottle of your session beer.

Key Oils

  • Myrcene: Think juicy, think fruit salad in a forest.
  • Humulene: Earthy, herbal, the scent of a hike in the mountains.
  • Caryophyllene: Spicy, with a hint of Uncle Joe’s holiday clove decorations.

 

Impact

  • Method: Late Addition or Dry-Hopping
  • Result: You snare the essence of hop aromatics without turning your brew into a bitter beast.

 

Grab some choice hops and get your brewing hat on.

It’s time to make some hop magic happen!

Session Beer Styles

Choosing Hops for Session Beers

When crafting a session ale, the hop selection is like picking the right wingman for your night out. They’ve got to compliment your style without stealing the show.

Popular Hops for Session Ales

  • Citra: These are the life of the hop party! With flavors of grapefruit, lime, and tropical fruits, Citra hops give your beer that punchy zing without knocking you over.
  • Cascade: Think of Cascade as that reliable friend who never lets you down, bringing classic notes of citrus and floral charm.
  • Centennial: This is your all-rounder buddy, balancing out citrusy and floral hints with a touch of sweet.

 

Hop Combinations for Unique Flavors

  • Citra & Simcoe: For a tropical twist with an earthy backbone. Because sometimes beer needs a little bit of jazz hands.
  • Amarillo & Mosaic: When you mix Amarillo’s orangey zest with Mosaic’s range of fruits and berries… it’s like a fruit salad that gets the party started.

 

Dry Hopping for Aroma

Drop a dry hop bomb of Amarillo or Mosaic into your session ale.

And you’ve got a nostril fiesta of aromas without any extra bitterness to harsh your mellow.

Brewing Techniques for Session Beers

Now, let’s crack into the nuts and bolts of brewing a standout session beer where every sip counts and nothing gets drowned in the beer’s echo.

Balancing Malt and Hops

Think of malt and hops as the rock band of your brew. Malt lays down the bass line, while hops shred the guitar solo. Your goal? A head-bopper, not an eardrum-buster. 

Start with lighter malts to keep that ABV under the limbo stick. Then find hops that pack flavor without flooring you. Think Citra for a zesty buzz, Mosaic for tropical grooves.

Or Amarillo for a citrus pop.

  • Malt: Light and breezy. Like a featherweight boxer. Punches above its weight without knocking you out.
  • Hops: Flavor fireworks. You want guests at the party in your mouth, not gatecrashers.

 

Fermentation and Yeast Selection

Yeast is the unsung hero, working backstage to set the scene. But choose wisely! A low-attenuating yeast helps keep the alcohol in check while still swinging flavor fists. 

Whip out a British Ale yeast for fruitiness with manners, or an American Ale strain for a clean, sharp finish. Remember, you’re the director of this microbial performance.

  • Yeast Choice: It’s all about subtlety and charm. You’re not looking for a yeast that does stage dives.

 

Conditioning and Carbonation

Conditioning is where your beer chills out, contemplating life before it hits your glass. Carbonation is the encore. Getting the crowd to cheer just right. Aim for a mellow carbonation; this isn’t soda pop. 

You’ll want enough fizz to tickle the tongue but not overstay its welcome.

  • Conditioning: Cooler temps and patience. Picture your beer on a beach hammock, catching the breeze.
  • Carbonation: Smooth bubbles. Think champagne toasts, not a shaken soda catastrophe.

 

The Influence of Water and Adjuncts

Brewing session beer is like being a maestro in an orchestra of flavors.

Your water’s the violin and grains like wheat are the cello!

The Impact of Water Profiles

What’s in your glass starts with what’s in your tap. Water’s not just for showers, my friend. It’s crucial for beer. Different water profiles can turn a samey beer into a standout sip. 

Pilsner-loving Prague? It’s all about the soft water. Craving for a punchy pale ale? Hello, Burton-on-Trent with its famous hard water profile, packed with sulfate. Here’s the takeaway: 

the right water tunes the taste of your beer like a finely adjusted guitar.

  • Soft Water: Best for delicate pilsners
  • Hard Water: Gives hop bitterness a high-five

 

Using Wheat and Other Grains

Wheat’s not just for bread, buddy. 

Toss some into your session beer and watch the magic happen. It’s like the difference between a ho-hum hamburger bun and an artisanal pretzel. Wheat can add a soft, creamy head to your beer and a whisper of grainy sweetness that’ll make your taste buds dance.

  • Wheat: Adds body, head retention, and subtle sweetness
  • Other Grains: Can complement or contrast hops for a memorable melody of flavors

 

And just like that, you’re a step closer to crafting a session beer that sings with complexity. Where every sip is a chorus of flavor that hits all the right notes!

Crafting the Perfect Session Beer at Home

Embarking on the journey of homebrewing session beer is like being a kid in a candy store. But this candy won’t make your dentist wealthy. Let’s dive right into brewing a beer that you can enjoy all day without turning into a wobbly mess.

Homebrewing Basics

First off, let’s talk about what session beer means. 

You’re aiming for a low alcohol content (usually below 5% ABV) but with full, delicious flavor. This means getting your original gravity (OG) just right. If your OG is too high, you’ll end up with a boozier brew which defies the ‘sessionable’ law. 

Aim for an OG between 1.034 and 1.040 for that perfect balance.

To start, you’ll need the basic gear:

  • Fermenter: Where the magic happens.
  • Bottling Bucket: Essential for the grand finale.
  • Sanitizer: Bugs are for the garden, not your beer.
  • Siphon: Because pouring between containers is so last year.
Session Beer Mood

Focus on hops that are low-to-moderate in bitterness, with aromatic qualities that add personality rather than punch. Hops like Fuggle, East Kent Golding, and Cascade play nicely with the session beer’s flavor profile without stealing the show.

Advanced Techniques for the Ambitious Brewer

Ready to up your game? Think yeast starters and temperature control. The yeast starter is like the pep talk before the big game. It ensures your yeast is fit and ready to ferment your brew to perfection. It’s not rocket science, but it does make a difference.

If you’re cunning, experiment with hop bursting. 

This technique involves adding a large amount of hops during the last minutes of the boil to enhance flavor and aroma without adding excessive bitterness. It’s like a surprise party for your taste buds.

And pay attention to your beer’s final gravity (FG). 

Your goal is an FG around 1.004 to 1.010, meaning your beer is light but not too dry. Remember, all the good things in life are about balance, including your beer’s mouthfeel.

Packaging and Presentation

You’ve brewed this beautiful session beer; how do you show it off? 

Packaging is more than just putting your beer in bottles or cans.

It’s the drumroll before the big reveal.

  • Bottles/Cans: Depending on your setup, you might bottle by hand or daydream about a canning line.
  • Labels: Your beer’s tattoo. Make it cool.
  • Caps/Canning Ends: Like the bow on a present.

 

Remember, for good beer, carbonation is key. You don’t want a flat beer unless flat is the new fizzy. Aim for a carbonation level appropriate for the style. Typically, 2.2 to 2.8 volumes of CO2 for session beers will hit the sweet spot.

So, grab your gear, pick your hops, and let’s brew a beer…

…that’s always ready for one more round. Happy brewing!

Style Showcase: Examining Session Beers Across the Board

These lighter, lower-alcohol brews pack a flavor punch without knocking you out, making them perfect for social sipping.

IPA: India Session Ale and Its Cousins

You love IPAs but want to remember your name after a few? Enter the Session IPA. It nails that hoppy high-wire act without the ABV heft. To keep it hop-forward, you’d be wise to go for citrus and floral hops like Cascade or Centennial. 

They offer a grapefruit kick faster than you can say “I’ll have another!”

Pilsner: The Crisp Session Choice

If you’re all about that clean, crisp finish, a Session Pilsner will be your happy place. Seek out Noble hops like Saaz or Tettnang for that classic herbaceous pizzazz. They’re like the cool breeze on a hot day, refreshing and…

…oh so comforting without all the drama.

Stouts and Lagers: Darker Takes on Low ABV

Stouts and Lagers may play it cool in the color department, but they’re not hiding when it comes to flavor. For a Session Stout, Goldings hops can add a whisper of earthiness to chocolatey undertones. 

And for those Lager lovers, the subtle, spicy touch of Hallertau hops complements the session lager’s crispness like bread goes with butter.

The Quintessential Session Beer Guide

Buckle up, my thirsty friend, for your enlightened journey into the world of session beers.

Where drinkability meets flavor without knocking you off your feet!

Tasting Notes: Identifying Flavor Profiles

When you sip a session beer, expect a symphony of taste without the boozy bang that clouds your senses. Typically, these brews land in the 3-5% ABV sweet spot, making them ideal for, say, an all-day BBQ without the risk of…

…accidentally wearing your burger as a hat. 

Founders All Day IPA, a celebrated stalwart of the style, offers a melody of citrus, pine, and floral notes. Thanks to a bouquet of hops, including the versatile and much-loved Simcoe and Amarillo varieties. Yum. 

Popular Hops for Session Beer:

  • Simcoe: Brings out a bit of berry and pine.
  • Amarillo: Known for grapefruit and sweet orange bliss.
  • Citra: Adds a citrus touch, think mango tango.
  • Mosaic: For those who like a jazz of blueberry and florals.

 

Food Pairings: Complementing Your Session Beer

Ah, food! The trusty sidekick to your frothy hero. With a session beer by your side, you can elevate even the simplest of meals. The light, hoppy profile of a session ale matches brilliantly with grilled chicken. 

A dance of flavors, if you will. 

Craving something spicy? The subtle sweetness and crisp finish of the beer are just the thing to quench the fire after you’ve dared to tackle those ghost pepper wings.

Perfect Match-ups:

  • Grilled Chicken: Light meats love the subtle hops.
  • Spicy Wings: The beer’s cool swig puts the fire out.
  • Fish Tacos: Complement with a squeeze of lime and cheers!
  • Garden Salads: A light beer with a light meal, because balance is key.

 

Celebrated Session Beers You Must Try

Sure, you could play it safe with your standard lagers, but where’s the fun in that? 

Diversify your palate with these champions of chug-ability:

  1. Founders All Day IPA: A trailblazer that sets the bar.
  2. Stone Go-To IPA: It’s hoppy, it’s zesty, and it says ‘Drink me!’
  3. Lagunitas DayTime IPA: Like a sunny day in a bottle.
  4. Firestone Walker Easy Jack: It’s easy going but Jack’s no dull boy.

 

Remember, the best session beer is the one that keeps the conversation flowing, the laughs coming, and the good times rolling, all without the next day regret. Cheers to that! 🍻

Picture of Damian

Damian

A lifelong learner, hop enthusiast and a lover of the state of extreme exhaustion.

Finance Analyst in the Investment Bank and co-founder of hopsmatcher.com