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Beer · Recipe
Session IPA Recipe: Low ABV, Big Flavor
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| FERRODAY Malted Grain Mill, 2 Roller Stainless Steel | Grain mill | Check price ↗ (paid link) |
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| CARGEN 14 inch Cotton Brew Bags for Grain and Dry Hopping, 15 Pack | And something to put them in | Check price ↗ (paid link) |
| Calcium Chloride, 2 oz | What water adjustment usually means | Check price ↗ (paid link) |
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Introduction to Session IPA
Session IPAs are a style of beer that has gained popularity in recent years due to their perfect balance of flavor and drinkability. With an ABV of around 3-4%, these beers are designed to be enjoyed over a longer period, hence the name ‘session’.
Equipment List
- Fermenter
- Brew kettle
- Grain mill
- Hops (variety dependent on recipe)
- Yeasts (specific to IPA style)
Fermenter
7.9 Gallon Plastic Fermentor with Lid
Headspace for a hoppy ale, which throws a tall krausen, and a wide opening for the dry hop addition.
Brew kettle
CONCORD Stainless Steel Home Brew Kettle Stock Pot with Weldless Fittings
Ball valve and thermometer already fitted, so wort drains through a tap instead of being poured from a full boiling pot.
Grain mill
FERRODAY Malted Grain Mill, 2 Roller Stainless Steel
An adjustable roller gap cracks the kernel while leaving the husk intact, which is what a session beer's thin grain bed needs to lauter at all.
Hops
Learn To Brew Cascade Hop Pellets for Home Brewing, 1 lb
A pound of Cascade covers the late additions step 3 asks for across several batches. Session IPA leans almost entirely on late and dry hopping, so quantity here is not extravagant.
And something to put them in
CARGEN 14 inch Cotton Brew Bags for Grain and Dry Hopping, 15 Pack
Loose pellets in a fermenter make racking miserable. A bag keeps the dry hop contained and comes out in one piece.
Step-by-Step Brewing Process
1. Malting and Milling: Start by selecting the right type of malt for your Session IPA. A combination of pale malt and a small amount of specialty malt can provide a rich flavor without overpowering the hops.
2. Mashing: Mash your grains at a temperature that will produce a fermentable wort but still retain some body. Aim for a mash temperature around 152°F to 155°F.
3. Boiling: Boil your wort for 60 minutes, adding hops at different times to achieve the desired bitterness, flavor, and aroma. For a Session IPA, you’ll want to focus on late-addition hops for maximum flavor and aroma.
4. Cooling and Transfer: After the boil, cool your wort to fermentation temperatures (usually around 68°F to 72°F) and transfer it to your fermenter.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Session IPA
- Choose the right yeast: Select a yeast strain that is known for producing clean, fruity flavors without overpowering the hops.
- Balance your hops: While it’s tempting to add as many hops as possible, balance is key. Ensure you have a good mix of bittering, flavor, and aroma hops.
- Pay attention to water chemistry: The chemistry of your brewing water can significantly impact the flavor of your beer. Ensure your water is adjusted to suit the style you’re brewing.
What water adjustment usually means
Calcium Chloride, 2 oz
Calcium chloride raises chloride, which pushes perceived maltiness and body. In a 3-4% beer that has very little malt to work with, it is the cheapest lever against the thin, watery result session IPAs tend toward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal ABV for a Session IPA?
The ideal ABV for a Session IPA is between 3% and 4%. This range allows for a beer that is both flavorful and sessionable.
How long does it take to brew a Session IPA?
The brewing process itself can take around 5 to 6 hours, but including fermentation and conditioning, you’re looking at around 2 to 4 weeks before your beer is ready to drink.
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