Favorite session beers?

I am sure this topic has come up before, but I am here drinking a Stone Levitation, and even though I have had this may a times before and while the body is a bit weak, I am always surprised at the amount of hoppy flavor that is packed into the brew. The only other beer of such a low abv that I have had that may be comparable in overall enjoyably and flavor is 21st amendment bitter american. What are other BA members opinions on "best session beer" (say anything under ~ 4.6 % abv.).

 

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.

Cheap, flavorful and easily attainable.

5.6% isn't too high, either.

 

First one that comes to my mind is Founder's All Day IPA, though at 4.7, still at least imo has enough there to cut the edge off.

 

also a good one.

 

I'll second Levitation as a "cold weather" session brew.

For the warmer temperatures coming in the not-too-distant future, I'll give a nod to Lancaster Kölsch as a nice "warm weather" session beer, as well.

 

The only thing I drink under 5% is coffee and water (Unless I am at Peg's!). I like IPAs and hop forward APAs around 6-7% for my session beer........so my biased favorite is ZeeLander, from other breweries it would have to be ZD and Moon Man since I can get those fairly easily.

 

Surly Bitter Brewer

 

Yards Brawler is definitely a session beer, however you slice it. And it's definitely a delicious beer, however you slice it.

 

I agree that Sierra Pale is quite nice and affordable and very tasty, but it is on the borderline of a session being at 5.6%. (Overall though it is tasty).

 

Jabby Brau at 4.5%abv is delectable, and a can't miss session lager. Everything from Jack's Abby is can't miss.​

 

Bell's Oarsman (4%)
Year-round, cheap, excellent. What else do you need?

 

My pick would be SN summerfest. Absolutely perfect for tossing back several cold ones on a hot day.

 

I am adamant in my opinion that the best session beers are cask conditioned ales in English pubs. The flavor and drinkability of these beers, some often only 3.4-6%abv just blows me away. On my last trip just last month I consumed 59 pints during a 8 day vacation. Our brewers do not really make session beers. That said as far as domestic craft I would say North Coast Red Seal cask conditioned.

 

If we're going to include Pilsners I'll add Troegs Sunshine Pils to the list. It's my fave of domestic version, awesome when fresh, and clocks in at 4.5%.

 

Yuengling Lager remains my favorite session beer of choice.

I just tried Elevation's 8 Second Kolsch and I think if that was cheap and bottled, that could be a great session beer too. Uinta's Wyld Organic Pale Ale is bottled and also a good choice. Crooked Stave's Saison also deserve mention but is waaaaaay too expensive to be treated as a session brew.

 

Victory Prima Pils, SA Agent IPL, Anti-Hero, weheinstephaner kristalweiss....

Also Laughing fox, moon man, serendipity, raspberry tart, wisoncsin belgian red, etc. Ty New Glarus!

 

while the difference in ABV is only an increase of one percentage point, this is actually a 22% increase in the overall alcohol content.

 

Assuming price isn't an issue, Bam Biere of course!

 

All Day IPA.

 

+1 on levitation and anything from Jack's Abby fitting the bill (sub 5%, but really closer to 4.5% and under)
i think it's ridiculous when i see people talking about "session" beers like Stone IPA (6.9%) and the like. you're not impressing anyone. even SNPA, while amazing and easy to polish of a sixer on a Sunday afternoon watching football, is still a little high at 5.6%. IMHO.