At Craft Beer & Brewing, we’re huge fans of big beers, but we have an equal appreciation for beers that pack big flavor into refreshingly drinkable packages. The session-beer trend is one that we wholeheartedly support, and session IPAs are at the top of our list.
Easy Jack Summer Session IPA
Firestone Walker Brewing Co., Paso Robles, California
“A globe-trotting hops-forward session IPA”
Easy Jack takes you on a hops adventure with hops from New Zealand, Europe, and North America that deliver a breadth of citrus, piney, and grassy aromas. With this light-bodied and balanced ale, Firestone Walker delivers again on a great IPA that we hope becomes more than a seasonal release.
Daytime Fractional IPA
Lagunitas Brewing Co., Petaluma, California
“A fractional IPA that really doesn’t suck.”
Intense hops aroma gives way to a subtle, light malty sweetness in this session release from Lagunitas. It has a surprising amount of body for a session beer and an almost creamy mouthfeel, while still offering up the potent hops mix that Lagunitas is known for, making it just as good after hours as it is during the day.
Go To IPA
Stone Brewing Co., Escondido, California
“A vibrant hops-burst session IPA”
The first thing you notice when you open a Go To IPA is the olfactory assault from the late-addition hops. It’s stunning, unexpected, and delivers a hefty dose of tropical hops goodness. Is it a bit unbalanced? Sure. But hopheads shouldn't think twice about trying this one.
Pop-Up Session IPA
Boulevard Brewing Co., Kansas City, Missouri
“American Indian Pale Ale built for frequent excursions”
Pop-Up has everything going for it—great malt balance with a low ABV (4.3 percent), along with plenty of hops that have you scratching your head and wondering whether this is really a “session” IPA. Boulevard has a hit on their hands, here, and we’ll be stocking up.
Farmer’s Tan Session IPA
Southern Tier Brewing Co., Lakewood, New York
“Brewed with two varieties of hops and two types of malts”
Southern Tier delivers a nice, subtle malt balance while still presenting expected bitterness. The golden color looks like an IPA, and it tastes like an IPA, but at 4.6 percent ABV you can enjoy more of them on a warm summer afternoon. This one’s seasonal, so grab some when you can.