Session and IPA beers do not go hand in hand, and are typically on the opposite sides of the beer spectrum. An IPA is a full-bodied, full of flavor, bitter, and heavy beer. Session beers are very light and drinkable, sweeter than bitter, and have a low alcohol content. Founders Brewing Co. has struck lightning in a can (Best tasting in cans) to make a combination of a session ale and an IPA, the All Day IPA. The bold flavors and bitterness from an IPA with the light body from a session ale.
Bitter and hop forward beers like a pale ale or IPA (typically) have a high alcohol content. Bitter and hop flavors are measured in IBU or International Bitterness Units. The higher the score, the more bitter the beer is. The hop bomb Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA has a 120+ IBU score and is 15-20% ABV, however a Bud Light has a IBU score of 8-12 and is 4.2% ABV. It’s almost impossible to fathom a full flavored session beer with four times the flavor of a Bud Light with nearly the same alcohol content. Here’s a few more examples of common beers to get a better perspective.
- Stella Artois is 15-25 IBU at 5% ABV
- Blue Moon is 10-20 IBU at 5.4% ABV
- Founders All Day IPA is 42 IBU at 4.7% ABV
We almost passed on purchasing this beer and thankfully we didn’t. Besides 21st Amendment’s Hell of High Watermelon, this may be the best beer of the summer or dare I say, year.
- Appearance – Pours a mix of hazy orange and amber
- Aroma – Apple, pine, peach, fresh cut grass (hops), slight spiciness
- Taste – Refreshing bitterness, floral with a citrus zest
- Overall – 8.5/10 Flavorful and extremely light and easy drinking
Source: Founders Brewing Co.
(Image credit: Bruce Leong/Dapper Guide)
