St. Patrick’s Day and Session Beers
Had a group over on Friday night for a pre-St. Patrick’s day gathering. I served my home brew, including a keg of Harry Knuckle, silk stout, and a lot of chocolate stout. We had a great time and everyone genuinely seemed to enjoy the beer, but the night really illustrated for the need for session beers for parties. The chocolate stout was a big hit but it weighs in at around 9% alcohol. By the time it late we were all feeling very little pain. The stout is great for sipping one in the evening, but I’m not really sure it is made for drinking all night. Its not that you cant drink them all night, its that you shouldn’t.
I think the following is a good guideline:
“A session beer should be low enough in alcohol to encourage conversation but not tangle your tongue.”
Not unreasonable. The amber (English bitter) I brewed for the family party earlier this year almost met that bill, but may still have been a bit strong. I’m thinking of working that recipe a bit to create great session beer, something along the lines of a Honkers Ale from Goose Island. A clean refreshing beer that is easy drinking. I will post the recipe as soon as I come up with it.
On a related note, there seemed to be some interest in brewing up some beer for the annual St. Pat’s party that we attend. I have a pretty good idea a session beer may be just what the doctor ordered. Something along the lines of an Irish Red Ale, cheap to make and easy to drink.
