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Eschenbräu Session IPA

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The Session IPA has been a regular Eschenbräu seasonal since 2021 and returns each year with a reworked recipe; in 2026 it was tapped in March. The brewery calls it the grandson of its O.P.A. pale ale, less angular and built for drinkability. Recent batches use some oat malt and a New England IPA yeast, which leaves a spicy, distinctly top-fermented impression and a fairly hazy beer; the Czech hop Most supplies the aroma over a soft malt base. Brewed from 12.3 °P original gravity to 5.2 % ABV.

ABV
5.2%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
golden6
PaceA Few
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
spicyhoppymalty
spicy
hoppy
malty
yeasty
citrusy
Aroma
The nose leads with spicy, resinous notes characteristic of the top-fermented yeast, layered over Czech Most hop aromatics that contribute herbal and floral facets.
not found:juicy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Eschenbräu Session IPA

◎ Appearance

A hazy golden brew with a pale straw hue, the result of oat malt and the New England IPA yeast strain employed in recent batches. The head is substantial and creamy, with good persistence and adhesion to the glass. Carbonation appears moderate and well-integrated, supporting the beer's approachable, drinkable character.

pale straw, hazycreamy headmoderate carbonation

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with spicy, resinous notes characteristic of the top-fermented yeast, layered over Czech Most hop aromatics that contribute herbal and floral facets. Beneath the hop profile lies a soft, delicate malt foundation with subtle oat grain character, contributing a gentle sweetness without assertiveness. The overall impression is fresh and inviting rather than aggressive.

spicy yeast characterherbal hop aromaticssoft malt, oat grain

◐ Taste

The palate opens with restrained bitterness (40 IBU) balanced against a clean, slightly sweet malt backbone. Oat malt lends a creamy texture and mild grain sweetness that evolves through the mid-palate, while the Most hops provide subtle herbal and citrus nuance without dominating. The finish is dry and crisp, the spicy fermentation character emerging distinctly in the aftertaste.

balanced bitternesscreamy mouthfeelherbal, dry finish

◑ Finish

The finish is medium in length, clean and drying with lingering spice from the yeast and gentle hop bitterness. The aftertaste remains refreshing and balanced, leaving no cloying residue.

spicy aftertastedry, refreshing
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
78
Taste
77
Appearance
80
Finish
76
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Serve & Enjoy

How to get the most out of Eschenbräu Session IPA

Serve at 7–10°C
Refrigerate, then rest 2 min

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

Tulip glass
Recommended for this style

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.

Food Pairing

What to eat with Eschenbräu Session IPA

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 spicy, hoppy, hazy character as Eschenbräu Session IPA will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Other Session IPAs in hopIQ

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