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Alphabet Session IPA

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A hazy session IPA at 4.1%, brewed in collaboration with Bad News Beer and released in August 2024. The grist combines light malts with oats and wheat, and the hops are a mix of new-world and old-world varieties. The aroma leans towards citrus, and despite the low strength the hop character is clearly to the fore.

ABV
4.1%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
golden6
PaceSession
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
hoppycitrusywheat
hoppy
citrusy
wheat
Aroma
The nose leads with bright citrus notes—lemon zest and grapefruit pith—backed by restrained herbal and pine undertones from the old-world hops.
not found:juicy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Alphabet Session IPA

◎ Appearance

Pale golden hue with a distinctly hazy suspension throughout, characteristic of the style. The head is white and moderately persistent, with visible lacing that clings to the glass. Fine carbonation supports the body without appearing aggressive.

pale goldenhazywhite headfine carbonation

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with bright citrus notes—lemon zest and grapefruit pith—backed by restrained herbal and pine undertones from the old-world hops. The grist of oats and wheat adds a subtle grainy softness that anchors the aromatic profile without muddying the hop-forward character.

citrus-forwardherbal pinegrainy softaromatic clarity

◐ Taste

Entry is clean and crisp, with juicy citrus flavors unfolding across the mid-palate alongside a light, biscuity malt sweetness. The 40 IBU bitterness arrives measured and focused, neither aggressive nor recessive, allowing both hop character and malt backbone to coexist. The oat and wheat adjuncts contribute a silky, smooth mouthfeel.

juicy citruscrisp bitternesssilky mouthfeelbalanced hop-malt

◑ Finish

The finish is dry and refreshing, with lingering citrus and gentle herbal fade that does not overstay. The low alcohol allows the hop bitterness to taper gracefully without warming or fatigue.

dry finishrefreshingherbal fade
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
80
Taste
78
Appearance
76
Finish
77
Serve at 7–10°C

Serve well-chilled. Session IPAs are at their best cold — the lower ABV means less warmth to balance the hops.

Tulip glass

The curved shape concentrates hop aromas and supports a thick head. Essential for aromatic ales and IPAs where the nose is half the experience.

Drink fresh. Session IPAs are brewed to be consumed young — the hops are at their best now.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Alphabet Session IPA

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About Session IPA

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Session IPA?

IPAs are hop-forward ales with 5.5–7.5% ABV and IBU 40–70+. Bold hop aroma — citrus, tropical, resinous — with firm bitterness and a dry, clean finish.

Finding a similar Session IPA

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same hazy, hoppy, citrusy character as Alphabet Session IPA will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →Explore all Session IPA beers in hopIQ →Browse United Kingdom beers →