Cracking the Craft Beer Riddle: The Intriguing Essence of "Sessionable"
Join us as we embark on a quest to decipher the enigmatic term that has adorned labels, menus, and tap handles – "session." A term that raises eyebrows, triggers curiosity and leads us down a winding path to unlock the true essence of "sessionable" in the realm of craft beer. Prepare for exploration as intricate as juggling pint glasses on a barstool.
Unveiling the Conundrum
Imagine this: "session" joining forces with the revered trio – I, P, and A. Online archives are brimming with interpretations of "session beer," from anecdotes about World War I workers seeking solace to contemporary low-ABV sips that purportedly complement the verdant leaf.
Yet, the most frequent sighting of "session" is as an appendage. A label applied to brews boasting modest alcohol content, inviting extended "sessions" of indulgence. This leads us to "sessionable," a term that suggests libations embodying effortless quaffability, a light touch on the palate, and invigorating refreshment. However, these nebulous definitions leave us yearning for clarity, much like a parched throat after an emptied pint.
Peeling Back the Layers of "Session"
Now, let's unveil the narrative – the very notion of a "session beer" might have solidified only in the 1980s. Esteemed British beer sage Martyn Cornell notes that the earliest documented instances emerged around 1991. A British publication related to Work Study, Organisation, and Methods provided sage advice: "Definitely not a session beer!" Across the Atlantic, beer guide Steve Johnson's "On Tap: The Guide to U.S. Brewpubs" described it as "moderate to low alcoholic strength."
According to the benchmarks established by the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP), a session beer should clock in at under 4 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). However, in the words of Natalya Watson, a London-based beer sommelier and podcaster, this isn't a rigid doctrine.
Natalya elucidates, "A formal definition of session-strength beer remains somewhat elusive. In practice, most American enthusiasts consider beers below 5 percent ABV as session-worthy. However, many discerning Britons lean towards the BJCP's guideline of sub-4 percent."
From Perspectives to Palates: Navigating the Seas of Sessionability
Enter the wordsmith of brews, Melissa Cole, who adds her perspective. North of the UK, a session conveys "nothing surpassing 3.8 percent." Then, there's John Harris of Ecliptic Brewing, championing the view that anything under 5 percent earns the "sessionable" badge.
The crux, however, is whether "sessionable" pivots solely around alcohol content. In a candid conversation with James Rylance, the mastermind behind Harbour Brewing's experimental endeavours, another layer of the narrative surfaces. James introduces the notion that ABV isn't the sole compass guiding sessionability.
"Sessionability revolves around equilibrium," James suggests. It's not solely about ABV; it's the choreography of flavours on your palate. He delves deeper, "In the UK, sessionability embodies an all-day pint extravaganza. Elsewhere, the 'single unit of measurement must come in a pint' notion holds less sway."
Transcending ABV: The Symphony of Sip-Worthiness
Hold on, there's a twist – a sessionable beer isn't confined to its ABV or refreshment quotient. James peels back yet another layer, "A sessionable beer is one you can sip repeatedly, at the right volume and with the right balance." Downing pints of 6-percent concoctions isn't the modus operandi, but some Belgian ales hovering around the 6-percent mark – like Saison Dupont – elegantly epitomize sessionability.
So, does this imply that sessionable brews encompass more than a low alcohol content? James proposes it's about the quintessence. Those seeking a symphony of flavours may lean in one direction, while others might consider something like Carling the quintessential sessionable choice.
The Session Revolution: Spirits Join the Symphony
As we continue navigating the labyrinth of craft beverages, a new sensation graces the scene. Much like session IPAs broke onto the scene, session spirits are following suit. Just as session IPAs brought a breath of freshness to the beer realm, session spirits are now poised to reshape the landscape of libations.
The session spirits phenomenon embraces the ethos of balance and palatable pleasure. Lighter in alcohol content yet abundant in character, session spirits beckon the discerning drinker to embark on a journey where indulgence and moderation dance hand in hand.
Whether you're sipping on a session beer, exploring session spirits, or seeking the symphony of balance in your glass, the world of sessionable libations promises a multi-faceted experience that transcends mere ABV metrics. So, raise your glass to the captivating realm of "sessionable" – a journey of tastes, textures, and tipples that beckons with each sip.
