Session IPA

A moderate-strength, hoppy American ale with lower alcohol but significant hop character. The hop aroma and flavor are prominent.

Moderate to prominent hop aroma with citrus, tropical, or pine notes despite lower alcohol. Dry-hopped character. Low malt aroma. Clean fermentation. Hop-forward in aroma while remaining sessionable.

Pale gold to amber, 3-7 SRM. Clear to slightly hazy. White to off-white head with moderate to good retention.

Prominent hop flavor with citrus, tropical, or pine notes despite lower alcohol. Moderate bitterness. Low malt flavor. Clean, dry finish. Hop-forward but easy to drink repeatedly.

Light to medium body with moderate to high carbonation. Crisp and dry despite hop character. Easy to drink repeatedly.

Emerged in the American craft beer scene around 2012-2014 as drinkers wanted hop-forward beer they could consume multiple pints of without being overwhelmed by alcohol. Founders All Day IPA (2012) was an early influential example. Defined a new sessionability movement in craft beer that spread globally.

What is Session IPA beer?

Session IPA — a lower-alcohol, hop-forward American ale with big flavor in a lighter body.

What is the ABV of Session IPA?

Session IPA has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 3.5-5.0%.

How bitter is Session IPA beer?

Session IPA measures 30-55 IBU (International Bitterness Units).

What are some examples of Session IPA beers?

Founders All Day IPA, Stone Go To IPA, Firestone Easy Jack, Lagunitas DayTime IPA