We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
6 best session IPAs to try this Christmas
These easy-drinking beers are lower in alcohol
If you enjoy the hoppy character of IPA but are looking for something lighter in alcohol, a session IPA is ideal.
What’s the difference between a session IPA and a regular IPA?
The phrase IPA stands for India Pale Ale, and sits within the pale ale category (beer brewed with mostly pale malts).
The term “session” refers to beers that have all the taste of a regular IPA, but with a lower ABV of around 3-5%, which make them suited to long hot summer afternoons.
For the purposes of this test, we’ve tried beers ranging from as low as 0.3% ABV (which is classed as non-alcoholic), through to 5% (which is slightly pushing the boundaries of what a session IPA truly is, but is still pretty light in the grand scheme of things).
What does session IPA taste like?
Light, crisp and punchy, a session IPA tends to express tropical holiday-esque aromas and a fruity, hoppy flavour. You can see why it’s our drink of choice for the summer months, but it's also a great beer for parties.
What food goes well with IPA beer?
IPA is billed as an easy-drinking, any-time-of-day beer that will work a treat with BBQ food, whether that’s a juicy beef burger or a plant-based patty. The more tropical styles often lend themselves to spicy curries, too.
How we test
We asked our panel of 10 taste testers to give us their thoughts on 17 session IPAs. We were looking for a full-flavoured brew with a classic fruity, hoppy character, coming in at under 5% ABV. These are the ones they recommend stocking up on this summer…
Beavertown Neck Oil Session IPA 330ml, 4.3% ABV
Score: 82/100
Despite the relatively low ABV, this grapefruit-tinged brew has a robustness to it that would stand up to bold-flavoured foods, like spicy curries. However, there’s a little bitterness on the finish that might mean you stop after a couple of cans. In short, this is a beer that’s light and crisp but full of flavour.
Fourpure Session IPA 330ml, 4.2% ABV
Score: 82/100
London craft beer company Fourpure is run by two brothers, with a passion for brewing. Teeny, tiny bubbles make this feel closer to an ale at times, however the tart passionfruit and light grassy notes ensure each sip is super refreshing. The lack of bitterness makes this a particularly easy-drinking drop, and an excellent accompaniment to an afternoon in the sun.
Magic Rock Saucery Session IPA 330ml, 3.9% ABV
Score: 77/100
Not all beer is suitable for those following a gluten-free diet, however this smooth session beer ensures no one misses out. Our panel found it particularly well-rounded, combining fruity notes of mango and orange with a pleasing bitterness, resulting in a well-balanced and refreshing IPA.
Goose Island Midway Session IPA 12 x 330ml, 4.1% ABV
Score: 75/100
Although we tend to associate session IPA’s with the summer months, in reality they are great all year round. For winter, you might opt for this slightly heavier golden amber nectar, with its light butterscotch aroma and citrusy hops. The strong peppery, grassy flavour will stand up to rich meaty food, like these spiced lamb kebabs.
Score: 75/100
Described as a pale ale, Brewdog’s Dead Pony Club lacks the pronounced hoppy flavour you associate with an IPA. As expected from the modest ABV, the light flavour isn’t quite as impactful as others on test, however, our panel appreciated the easy-drinking nature, small bubbles and light, smooth mouthfeel — and at this price, we think it’s a sessionable steal.
Score: 70/100
Giving the big brands a run for their money, Co-op’s savoury, woody IPA is powerfully bitter and packed with strong bubbles. If you’re after a new-style craft IPA, you might be disappointed, but those looking for a traditional-tasting beer, like those found in a country pub, will love this.
Stacey looks after all food and drink reviews — from coffee pods and veg boxes, to natural wine and tequila. Stacey is also founder of Crummbs, where she’s written nearly 2,000 restaurant and hotel reviews since 2013. Prior to this, Stacey wrote hundreds of in-depth buying guides for the Independent, i newspaper and BBC Good Food, as well as reviewing restaurants and interviewing celebrities in her column at Balance Magazine. Stacey has also appeared in BAFTA-nominated BBC documentary Blood, Sweat & Takeaways, where she investigated South East Asia's food production industry, appearing on both Newsnight and BBC World Service to share her findings. Regularly checking out the latest restaurants, bars and product launches, Stacey also loves experimenting with recipes at home, and is a WSET-certified wine and spirits expert, with over 10 years of experience in the business. You can follow Stacey on Instagram @crummbs_uk
Callum is our Food and Drink Testing Manager and has been part of the world of professional catering for 10 years, from cheffing to food manufacturing. While working in manufacturing he specialised in bespoke product and menu development for several start-ups and well-known brands such as Wrap It Up! and HOP Vietnamese. He holds the WSET Level 2 in wine, a Level 3 in spirits and has a particular interest in agave spirits.
Easy barbecued courgettes recipe
Easy green goddess dip recipe
Classic Aperol spritz cocktail recipe
The best BBQ food to buy this summer
