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I am a massive fan of a proper drinking session. There is nothing better than a cheeky bit of day drinking. And I know I am not alone with that viewpoint. That is why the Gods of beer introduced the perfect beverage to enjoy your day of drinking without ending with your face down in the dirt. Enter the ‘session beer’. What is a session beer, I hear you ask? Well, you’re in luck. This article is going to explore the history, the characteristics and why session beers are so damn popular. I’ll even throw in a handful of beers for you to try at home!
The History of Session Beers
Session beers are defined by their low alcohol content and their ability to be enjoyed in large quantities over a prolonged period without causing excessive drunkenness. The concept of “session” drinking is deeply rooted in British pub culture.
Origin Story of Session Beers
The term “session beer” is thought to have originated in the United Kingdom during the First World War. The government allowed factory workers and munitions labourers two daily drinking periods called “sessions” between their shifts.
These sessions, which lasted several hours, allowed workers to enjoy lower-alcohol beers that allowed them to consume multiple pints without becoming impaired. This approach aimed to ensure that the workers could maintain their productivity and adhere to safety standards while still enjoying a relaxing break.
Evolution Over Time
This practice increased the popularity of mild ales, bitters, and other light beers that offered refreshments and the social pleasure of drinking without the higher alcohol content. These styles of beers became staples in British pubs, allowing customers to spend extended periods socialising without becoming overly battered.
Today, session beers are popular worldwide for their unique balance of flavour and drinkability. With an alcohol by volume (ABV) of around 3% to 5%, these beers allow enthusiasts to enjoy several pints in one sitting—hence, a ‘session’—while engaging in multiple hours of socialising in the pub or enjoying a full day of drinking.
Defining Characteristics of Session Beers
Session beers are brewed with specific characteristics that enhance their drinkability and allow for prolonged enjoyment. These characteristics include a low alcohol content, a balanced flavour profile, a moderate mouthfeel, a refreshing quality, and a subtle complexity that keeps the palate entertained over time.
Low Alcohol Content
The most defining feature of session beers is their low ABV, typically ranging from 3% to 5%. This lower alcohol content is essential for promoting longer drinking sessions without resulting in you getting drunk really quickly.
Balanced Flavour
Despite their low alcohol content, session beers are brewed to have a well-rounded and appealing flavour profile. They are neither overly bitter nor too sweet, maintaining a balance that makes them easy to drink.
Moderate Mouthfeel
These beers are usually light to medium-bodied, avoiding the heaviness of many higher-alcohol beers. The mouthfeel is key to making the beer satisfying yet not filling, encouraging multiple drinks.
Refreshment Factor
Session beers often feature a higher carbonation level or a crisp finish, enhancing their refreshing quality. This makes them particularly appealing in social settings or as a beverage during or after physical activities like darts.
Subtle Complexity
While session beers are not typically as robust or complex as some craft beers with higher ABV, they do offer a level of subtlety that keeps the palate engaged over time. The flavours are modest rather than overpowering, often featuring gentle hops, malt, and sometimes fruity or herbal notes.
Variety of Styles
Although session beers can be found in various beer styles, common types include session IPAs, session ales, light lagers, and mild bitters. Each type brings its own set of flavours and characteristics while adhering to the session beer philosophy.
These characteristics make session beers particularly suitable for occasions where people wish to enjoy alcohol over a longer period without the effects of higher ABV drinks, maintaining a sociable and enjoyable atmosphere.
Why Session Beers Are Popular
So, why am I discussing session beers? Well, because they are extremely popular, and session beers have gained popularity for several reasons.
Social Drinking
As mentioned throughout the piece, session beers are ideal for social gatherings and long drinking sessions. Their lower alcohol content allows people to enjoy multiple beers over a long period without becoming too drunk, making them perfect for social settings where the focus is less on getting wasted and more on enjoyment.
Flavour and Variety
Even with a lower ABV, session beers do not compromise on flavour. Brewers have mastered creating these beers with a rich taste, offering a wide range of styles—from hoppy session IPAs to light lagers and mild ales. This variety appeals to a broad spectrum that appeals to us beer drinkers.
Health and Wellness Trends
There’s a growing trend towards health and wellness, with many people looking to reduce their alcohol intake without giving up drinking entirely. Session beers meet this need by providing a lower-alcohol alternative that satisfies that beer-y itch.
Craft Beer Innovation
The rise of craft brewing has also spurred interest in session beers. Craft brewers continually experiment with different ingredients and brewing techniques to create unique and appealing session beers, drawing in beer lovers like myself who are eager to try more!
Suitability for Various Occasions
Session beers are versatile and suitable for many occasions, from casual meet-ups to more formal events where guests might prefer to drink lightly. Their accessibility makes them a go-to choice for hosts and event planners.
The popularity of session beers is a testament to their ability to balance moderation with enjoyment. They offer a responsible yet satisfying option for modern drinkers.
Popular Session Beers to Try
Now, the moment you have been waiting for a selection of session beers, I recommend that you try them. Below is a curated list I urge you to try next time you embark on a day drinking session!
- Beer Cut With Peach 4% (Jubel): The UK’s Best Fruit Beer in the 2018 World Beer Awards, this lively lager packs a fruity punch.
- New Dawn Session 4.3% IPA (Toast Brewing): A session IPA with strong citrus notes and subtle floral hints made with surplus bread, malted barley, oats, and American hops.
- Guinness Draught 4.2% (Guinness): Pure beauty. Pure GUINNESS.
- All Day IPA 4.7% (Founders): Satisfy your palate while keeping your senses alert. It is crafted with diverse ingredients and is well-balanced for excellent aromatics and a smooth finish.
- Daytime IPA 4% (Lagunitas Brewing Company): A gentle mixture of malts and fluffy oats infused with a burst of hops.
- Neck Oil 4.3% (Beavertown): The idea was to create a beer that we could drink from 8 am, all day, every day! It’s ultra-pale, crisp, light, and bang in your face with the hops!
- Wingman 4.3% (BrewDog): A smooth ride of mellow tropical fruits, piney notes and a sharp citrus aroma.
- Peckham Session 4.3% (Brick Brewery): This brew is hopped with Citra, Simcoe, Ekuanot and Amarillo to provide big hits of citrus, mango and peach, all lifted by a soft and pillowy body.
Now that you’ve had a taste of the session beer world, I’d love to hear from you. What’s your favourite session beer? Share it in the comment section below and let’s keep the conversation going!
Summary
Session beers, integral to British pub culture, originated during World War I for factory workers’ drinking sessions. Characterised by low alcohol content (3%-5% ABV), these beers facilitate prolonged, social drinking without excessive drunkenness. They offer a balanced flavour, moderate mouthfeel, and subtle complexity, making them ideal for various social settings. Popular worldwide, session beers cater to health trends and craft beer innovation, offering diverse styles like IPAs and light lagers. Recommended session beers include Jubel’s Beer Cut With Peach, Toast Brewing’s New Dawn Session IPA, and Founders’ All Day IPA. These beers blend moderation with enjoyment, making them perfect for any day-drinking occasion.
FAQs
Is Guinness a session beer?
Yes, Guinness can be considered a session beer. Guinness Draught has an ABV of 4.2%, which falls within the typical range for session beers (3%-5%), allowing for prolonged enjoyment without excessive drunkenness.
Do session beers have fewer calories?
Session beers often have fewer calories due to their lower alcohol content. Lower ABV generally means fewer calories, making them a lighter option than higher-alcohol beers.
Is a session beer a saison?
No, a session beer is not a saison. Session beers are characterised by low alcohol content for extended drinking without heavy intoxication. Saisons are a distinct, higher-alcohol farmhouse ale style known for their complex flavours.
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