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Jam Session

NoDa Brewing Company
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🌍 United States · American Pale Ale · One of 217 American Pale Ales in hopIQ

NoDa's balanced American pale ale — 5.1% ABV, 31 IBU, malt-forward middle with a citric hop lift over the top. Not chasing Hop Drop's IPA aggression, not sliding into session territory — the sessionable-but-substantial pale in the Charlotte brewery's core. Named for the North Davidson music-and-arts scene the brewery grew up in.

ABV
5.1%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter31 IBU
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
golden6
See all American Pale Ale alternatives →
How it drinks· Its pace, balance and relationship to the style.
Pace
sessionsipper
Balance
malt-ledhop-led
Style expression
textbookdistinctive
Taste structure· The backbone of the beer, regardless of style.
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
hopIQ take

Even from Body through Texture, the taste structure is evenly distributed.

Harmony over emphasis — the beer is built for each note to sit at the same volume.

Wider bands mean we're less certain about the exact position.
Character· What makes this beer itself — not just another American Pale Ale.
Hop character
citrusy
hoppy
Malt character
malty
Fermentation & yeast
clean
Distinctive notes
smooth drinking
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Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Jam Session

Appearance

Pale golden color with bright clarity and fine carbonation visible as steady streams. The white head forms quickly and maintains moderate lacing on the glass, indicating good protein and carbonation stability. The overall presentation is clean and inviting, characteristic of a well-crafted pale ale.

pale goldenbright clarityfine carbonationwhite head

Aroma

Citrus notes lead the nose with distinctive orange and lemon character from the noble hops, layered over a clean, supportive Malz foundation. There is no yeast funk or estery character; the profile remains crisp and straightforward. The hop expression is balanced rather than aggressive, allowing the grain sweetness to remain present without overshadowing the top notes.

citrus forwardorange and lemonclean grainrestrained hop presence

Taste

The palate opens with a gentle Malz sweetness that carries weight and body without heaviness. Citric hop bitterness (31 IBU) integrates smoothly into the mid-palate, providing definition without assertiveness. The finish is dry and crisp, with lingering citrus notes and a subtle grain dryness that invites the next sip.

malt-centeredsmooth integrationcitric bitternessdry finish

Finish

Medium-length finish with citrus notes fading to a clean, grainy dryness. The aftertaste is refreshing and devoid of any rough edges, leaving the palate ready for food or conversation.

medium lengthgrainy drynessrefreshing
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
78
Taste
80
Appearance
78
Finish
76
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Serve & Enjoy

How to get the most out of Jam Session

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

Serve at 7–10°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Pint glass
Recommended for this style

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

Store in a cool, dark place. Check the best-before date on the label for guidance.

Food Pairing

What to eat with Jam Session

About American Pale Ale

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a American Pale Ale?

Pale Ales balance malt sweetness with moderate hop character at 4.5–6% ABV and IBU 20–40. Approachable with floral, citrus or earthy notes over a biscuit malt base.

Finding a similar American Pale Ale

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same malty, smooth-drinking, crisp character as Jam Session will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Other American Pale Ales in hopIQ

Explore all American Pale Ale beers in hopIQ →Browse United States beers →

WHERE TO BUY

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