10 Style-Spanning Session Beers

Boozy brews aren't the only ones with flavor: From toned-down IPAs to barrel-aged beauties, these low-ABV brews provide respite from barn-burning bottles.

 

Two Brothers Long Haul

Proving that barrel aging isn't just for big beers, Two Brothers steeps its 4.2%-ABV ale in French foudres for at least four weeks, lending a light oakiness to this crisp brew.

 

North Peak Wanderer Session India Pale Ale

The name says it all: This IPA-turned-session-beer packs pine and citrus flavors from four different hops, and boasts a slight 4.2% ABV.

 

Two Beers Trailhead India Style Session Ale

This Seattle brewery kept its punchy regional hop flavors, but swapped the ubiquitous bomber and alcohol warmth for 12-ounce cans and a light 4.8% ABV.

 

Notch Session Pils

This session-only brewery in Boston crafts two styles, but we especially like the bready malts, hop bite and 4.0% ABV of its Czech-style pilsner.

 

Flying Dog-The Brewer's Art Table for Two

Two Maryland brewing powerhouses teamed up this summer for this quiet collaboration, a fruity, 5%-ABV Belgian-style blond brewed with wildflower honey.

Left Hand Stranger

Stranger, an American pale, debuted earlier this year with crowd-pleasing soft citrus and caramel flavors, and a quaffable 5% ABV.

 

Starr Hill Dark Starr Stout

Keeping with tradition of Irish dry stouts, this brew packs lots of chocolate and coffee flavors and a quaffable ABV—4.2%, to be exact.

 

High & Mighty Beer of the Gods

Falling somewhere between a Kölsch and an altbier, Beer of the Gods is both crisp and hoppy, and it's only 4.5% ABV.

 

Ale Industries Orange Kush

Brewed with orange peel, coriander and chamomile, this wheat beer packs big flavor bark and a tiny 4.4%-ABV bite.

 

10 Barrel ISA

This beer's bold citrus aroma and sharp bitterness hit the IPA bases, but its 5.5% ABV puts it closer to pale ale strength.