Session IPA pioneered the “drinkability” movement in craft beer, offering hop-forward flavor at 3-5% ABV instead of the 7-9% typical of imperial IPAs. #SessionIPA documented the rise of day-drinking beer culture between 2013-2020.
The Session Beer Movement
“Session” beer originated in British pub culture — low-ABV beers allowing extended drinking “sessions” without intoxication. American craft brewers applied this to IPAs around 2010, but the style exploded after Founders All Day IPA (2012, 4.7% ABV) proved you could pack hop flavor into a lighter body.
By 2013, session IPAs were everywhere: Lagunitas DayTime (4.65%), Stone Go To IPA (4.5%), Firestone Walker Easy Jack (4.5%). The style appealed to health-conscious drinkers, lunchtime beers, and those who wanted multiple beers without getting drunk. “Crush” became the descriptor — a beer you could drink several of.
Challenges and Evolution
Brewing flavorful low-ABV beer is technically difficult. Alcohol carries flavor, so reducing ABV risked thin, watery beer. Brewers compensated with crystal malts, oats, and aggressive dry-hopping. Some purists argued session IPAs were “IPA-flavored water,” but mainstream consumers loved them.
By 2023, session IPAs coexisted with high-ABV offerings. The style’s success validated lower-alcohol craft beer, paving the way for non-alcoholic IPAs and low-cal options. #SessionIPA proved responsible drinking and flavor weren’t mutually exclusive.
Sources:
- Founders Brewing All Day IPA sales data
- Brewers Association session beer category growth
- Beer Advocate session IPA reviews