Ah, the Session IPA – the featherweight champion in the heavyweight world of craft beers. It’s the beer that says, “I have the heart of an IPA but the ABV of a gentle breeze.”
This is the beer you turn to when you want all the hoppy goodness without the next-day regrets. It’s the perfect companion for a long day of grilling, chilling, or pretending to understand what your friend is saying about their latest cryptocurrency investment.
IPA? More Like I-PA-lease Give Me Another!
Before we jump into the good stuff (the recipe, folks), here’s a quick sip of history. The “Session” term hails from World War I era England. Workers were allotted two drinking periods or “sessions,” during the day. To make the most of it, they sought beers that were flavorful yet low in alcohol so they could return to work without wobbling. Fast forward to today, and the Session IPA has become a beloved style for those seeking bold hop flavors in a light, easy-drinking package.
No Tall Tales, Just Short Pints – Session IPA Recipe
Get your brew kettle and your taste buds ready; we are about to brew a Session IPA that even the most discerning of hop-heads would tip their hat to.
❤️This recipe is designed for a 5-gallon batch, ensuring there’s enough to share with friends or hoard for yourself (no judgment here).
Ingredients:
Malts:
- 8 lbs of Pale Malt (2 Row) US
- 1 lb of Munich Malt
- 0.5 lb of Caramel/Crystal Malt – 40L
Hops: (Oh, the glorious hops):
- 1 oz Citra Hops (60 mins – for that bitter kick)
- 1 oz Mosaic Hops (15 mins – flavor town express)
- 0.5 oz Citra Hops (5 mins – because more Citra never hurt)
- 1 oz Mosaic Hops (0 mins – aroma hero)
- 2 oz Citra Hops (Dry Hop – 7 days)
Yeast:
- Yeast:
- American Ale (Wyeast Labs #1056) or a similar clean-fermenting ale yeast
Misc:
- Love, patience, and a sprinkle of madness
Brewing Instructions:
- Mash ‘n’ Boil: Combine malts with water and heat to 152°F. Hold this temperature for about 60 minutes to convert the starches into sugars. Then, bring to a boil.
- Hopping Mad: Following the hop schedule above, add your hops at the indicated times for bitterness, flavor, and aroma. Remember, timing is everything!
- Chillax: After the boil, cool the wort as quickly as possible to yeast-pitching temp, around 68°F.
- Yeast Friends: Pitch your yeast and ferment for about two weeks at 68°F. Patience, young brewmaster.
- Dry Hopping: After the primary fermentation, add the dry hops to the fermenter and wait another 7 days. This is where the magic happens.
- Bottle it Up: Carbonate by bottling with priming sugar and cap them tight. Wait around two weeks for carbonation.
- Toast to Your Success: Crack one open, pour into your favorite glass, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Session IPA FAQs – Because Inquiring Minds Need to Know 
Q: Can I drink my Session IPA straight from the fermenter?
A: While the temptation is real, it’s best to wait until it’s carbonated. Think of it as letting the brew reach its full potential.
Q: How long does this beer last?
A: It’s a session beer, not a wine cellar project. Enjoy it fresh within a few months for the best flavor.
Q: Can I substitute hops?
A: Absolutely! Brewing is part art, part science. Feel free to experiment with different hop varieties to create your unique twist.
Q: My dog ate my hops. Is this recipe ruined?
A: First off, hops are toxic to dogs, so please ensure Fido is okay! Secondly, you may have just invented the first dog-assisted brewing technique. But yes, you’ll need more hops.
|To wrap it up brewing a Session IPA at home is like hosting a party – prepare well, execute with flair, and enjoy the fruits of your labor surrounded by friends (or a comfy chair and a good book).
Remember, the best beer is the one you brewed yourself, so pat yourself on the back, crack open a cold one, and revel in your brewing prowess.
Cheers to your next brewing adventure!
P.S. If you are into brewing your own beer be sure to take advantage of my limited-time offer to get your hands on the recipes to my top 5 best-selling beers from my brewpub. Sign up is on the side of the blog or at the bottom if you are on a smart device. Enjoy!