If you consider yourself a Hop Snob like I do, you know that sometimes the summer sun can be a little too much for enjoying a heavy, hoppy beer.  That’s when I turn to Session IPAs. 

History

The term “session” refers to the two allowable drinking periods given to shell production workers in England during World War 1.  These sessions were from 11am-3pm and 7pm-11pm.  Drinking during these sessions was a rule was enforced through 1988 when the Liquor Licensing Act was introduced.  Most of the beers that were consumed during this time were 3 to 4 percent alcohol by volume (ABV).  People would drink up to eight of these beers and still be coherent enough to return to work.  Sounds like a lot, no?

Nowadays, the term “session beer” loosely applies to any beer with an ABV no higher than 5 percent.  Sessions typically feature a nice balance between hops and malt and finishes crisp and clean.  In the end, you get a nice, fresh hoppy taste without the high alcohol percentage, and without a terribly full stomach.  One of my go-to session IPAs?  DogFish Head Slightly Mighty!

Enjoy!

Cheers,
Danyelle