Inherent Flaw In Session IPA's

There are more misses than hits for me as well. The ones that miss, have a watery, bitter, metallic finish. The hits are juicy fruity hopped goodness and surprisingly flavorful and light at the same time. Overall I'm typically skeptical of new session IPAs.

 

Agree, I haven't had one yet that made me glad I had it rather than a full strength IPA. That said I've also never had a proper English session cask ale either.

 

US brewers seen to lack the skill of brewing low abv beers that excel in taste when you compare them to what the UK can and does put out. For the most part...
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The abv is low so you can drink a lot of them. I'm not a volume drinker.

 

I've basically stopped buying them at stores. On draft I've enjoyed Founders, Firestone Walker, and Stones offerings, but unless the beers are very fresh at the store it isn't worth it to me. The exception is Left of the Dial from Notch. Not surprising that the brewery that specializes in session beers makes the most consistent session IPA, in cans or on draft.

 

Agreed. I feel like most session IPAs start with a base IPA and then start removing components until the ABV reaches a desired level. The better approach is to create a new beer altogether that tastes good on it's own merits.

 

I agree. There's a brew pub close to here that specializes in English brew styles and what this guy can do with a Mild or Bitter is astounding, and under 4% as well. Session Ipas imo kinda suck, a one trick pony of hops and no malt to lower the Abv but they defeat their own purpose. I can't imagine drinking more than one due to palate fatigue.

 

The inherent problem is trying to make IPAs something they are not. Could you imagine a session quad?

 

The American "session IPA" is the same as Pale Ale to me. There are good and bad pale ales just like every other style.

 

SN Hop Hunter, especially when found uber fresh I consider my new go to "session" IPA. As with other SN hoppy offerings, it holds up better with months in the bottle than most.

Drake's Alpha Session is awesome.
Stone's Go To is nothing to complain about
Easy Jack ain't too shabby
Russian River Dribble Belt is phenomenal
Daytime IPA works in the hot hot California sun

There's a time and a place for these beers I'd say. Hello sports tailgating hours before the event and floating down the river!

 

Not a volume drinker? I've seen your Space Dust posts.

 

lol *busted*

 

You need to get your hands on Carton Boat Beer and Tree House Eureka

 

I have yet to find one I really enjoy. The only one I have had that I can drink is the Founders All-Day, but even that is not amazing. I assume, however, that is how it is supposed to be. I would rather get a good buzz with a few good quality IPA's, than to drink 10 sessions. But I guess they serve their purpose.

 

There are ones that I'll enjoy one or two of...Go To and Pinner come to mind. I never want more than that though, which defeats the purpose of the style in my mind. Much rather have a well rounded APA or a crisp pils for a lower ABV option instead.

 

Don't you mean... *dusted*?

 

I like All Day and Day Time enough, but most times Spotted Cow or Little Yella Pils will do the trick. And SC's coming out in cans soon!

 

Oh, snap!

 

Low ABV ≠ Lack of flavor.
Low ABV ≠ Lack of Malt or Hops.
Yes some "session ipa" have less body or feels watery.
I think its a newish concept for a lot of North American brewers who were on the path of bigger badder bolder and now need to learn how to drop the bigger and aim for less.
Myself i seem to be more drawn towards the lower ABV these days. Rather crush a few (+6)and not feel it.