Session Beer

Notes

This category includes beers of any style that 1) are at or below 5.0% abv (4.0% abw) and 2) have an original gravity and alcohol content below the range of the classic style as defined in these guidelines. These beers exhibit lower original gravity and alcohol content than the classic style. Balance and drinkability are key to a successful session beer. A beer at or below 5.0% abv (4% abw) that adheres to the specifications of a classic style is not categorized as Session Beer. For example, low gravity beers such as Belgian-Style Table Beers, Belgian-Style Session Ales, or English-Style Mild Ales should be categorized within their appropriate categories. A beer below 0.5% abv (0.4% abw) is categorized as a Non-Alcohol Malt Beverage. When using these guidelines as the basis for evaluating entries at competitions, organizers may wish to further subcategorize this category. Competition organizers may request that brewers provide actual percent alcohol by volume (abv) for their entries in this category.

Color

The color should mimic the classic style upon which the beer is based

Clarity

Appearance may vary from brilliant to hazy to cloudy and should mimic the classic style upon which the beer is based

Malt aroma & flavor

Malt attributes should mimic the classic style upon which the beer is based, but at lower overall intensity due to lower original gravity.

Hop aroma & flavor

Hop attributes should mimic the classic style upon which the beer is based, but at lower overall intensity in order to maintain the balance typical of that style.

Bitterness

Should mimic the classic style upon which the beer is based, but at lower overall intensity in order to maintain the balance typical of that style.

Fermentation character

Varies with underlying style

Body