If you thought session beers carry that moniker because they’re perfect for a “beer sesh” … well, you’re not far off. The term originated with our friends in Britain and, like any well-worn tale, can be told in different ways.
We have two personal favorites. The first: British war laborers were “restricted” to two drinking periods—or sessions—a day, roughly 11 a.m.–3 p.m. and 7 p.m.–11 p.m. Naturally, that required a low-alcohol beer that was tasty and wouldn’t hamper the war effort. The other is a nod to England’s active pub lifestyle, where you’ll find much merriment during many happy beer sessions each day—and night.
“Session beers tend to be lower gravity, lower alcohol and flavorful,” explained Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant co-owner and Director of Brewery Operations Mark Edelson. “So the term does go back to the Brits and a ‘drinking session.’ Session IPAs are hugely popular right now, but we’ve gone way beyond that. Our brewers have created an amazing variety so there’s something for everyone.”
This is the perfect time of the year to enjoy a light, refreshing session beer. There’s plenty of great weather left, and we have an amazing selection on tap to enjoy at one of our 11 locations. Or, thrill your friends and family at summer’s-end picnics and fall sports barbecues with a growler of one of our easy-drinking beers. As always, we encourage you to drink responsibly, no matter the ABV.
Pop into an Iron Hill near you and give our session beers a taste. White Iron Wit and Witberry are available year-round. Seasonal beers are on tap while they last, so hurry over to see your favorite Iron Hill bartender. A sampling of what’s currently pouring, last we checked …
- Bushwacker, American Pale Ale, 5.2% ABV
- German Pils, traditional German lager, 4.8% ABV
- Hefeweizen, traditional unfiltered Bavarian wheat, 4.2% ABV
- The Hammock, ale, 4.5% ABV
- Ariana, Belgian golden ale, 4.5% ABV
- Munich Helles, classic German lager, 5.0% ABV
- Schipperke, Belgian IPA, 4.5% ABV
- Berliner Weisse, German-style wheat sour, 2.8% ABV
- Flannel Shirt ESB, English-style bitter, 5.2% ABV
- Munich Helles, classic German lager, 5.0% ABV
- Scuttlebutt, Kolsch ale, 5.12% ABV
- The Hammock, ale, 4.5% ABV
- Extra Innings XPA, IPA, 4.6% ABV
- Lawnmower Pale Ale, ale, 4.5% ABV
- The Hammock, ale, 4.5% ABV
- Burton IPA, IPA in the English tradition, 5.8% ABV
- Hefeweizen, traditional unfiltered Bavarian wheat, 4.2% ABV
- Mr. Miyagi Pils, German-style pilsner, 5.2% ABV
- The Hammock, ale, 4.5% ABV
- Biere Blonde, Belgian-style ale, 5.0%
- Das Boot, traditional German-style pilsner, 4.9% ABV
- Summer Lemon Wheat, unfiltered Belgian-style wheat, 4.5%
- The Hammock, ale, 4.5% ABV
- Going the Distance, IPA, 4.4% ABV
- Hefeweizen, traditional unfiltered Bavarian wheat, 4.2% ABV
- The Hammock, ale, 4.5% ABV
- Berliner Weisse, German-style wheat sour, 2.8% ABV
- Hefeweizen, traditional unfiltered Bavarian wheat, 4.2% ABV
- Schwarzbier, traditional black German lager, 4.4% ABV
- The Hammock, ale, 4.5% ABV
- Caprice, American-Belgian ale, 5.1% ABV
- Patriotic Pils, classic American pilsner, 4.3% ABV
- Riders for the Fallen Ale, IPA brewed in collaboration with the Gloucester Township Fraternal Order of Police, 4.8% ABV
- The Hammock, ale, 4.5% ABV
- Excavator, French-style Gravette, 4.7% ABV
- Munich Helles, classic German lager, 5.0% ABV
- Race Day Radler, Bavarian wheat, 5.0% ABV
- The Hammock, ale, 4.5% ABV
- The Hammock, ale, 4.5% ABV
With 11 locations in Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey, there’s an Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant near you. We specialize in handcrafted beers and fresh, from-scratch New American cuisine. Monthly releases vary by location, so scout out our beers on tap and visit us soon.