What is a Session Beer?

First of all the term must be defined. Let me say that when I use the word “beer” it can be understood to mean any of the various fermented malt beverages excepted as the thing the popular social definition of the word “beer”. The second word that needs defining is actually the first word - “session”. In this piece the word “session” will be the event that takes place between consuming the first pint of beer and the last pint of beer. It is possible that the first pint of beer might well indeed be the last pint of beer. This is a short session. The actual amount of time necessary to consume the beer during a session has nothing to do with the definition. Yes, it is possible that a session could last less than 30 seconds. This definition of the word “session” of course confuses the definition of what a “session beer” is. If the previous definition is to be accepted as a prima fascia definition of a “session beer” than the alcohol content also has nothing to do with the definition. This can be a dangerous miscalculation. I can only imagine that 30 second session performed with a pint of barley wine. Therefore, upon reflection, I shall arbitrarily set of beverage alcohol by volume content not to exceed 4.5% alcohol by volume.

If you lasted this long you’re either looking for a semantical skirmish or are truly interested in beer. If you are looking for a semantical skirmish, I’m not here… Should be quite obvious I’m out to lunch. If you’re truly interested in beer allow me to introduce you to a rather nice session beer… Sly Fox O’Reilly’s Stout yes, once again a “light” beer is one of the darkest in the room. Let me digress… a 16 ounce pint of Guinness Stout (4.2% abv) weighs in at 170 cal. (10.625 cal/oz), compared to a 12 ounce bottle of Budweiser Light (4.2% abv) weighs in at 110 cal (9.166 cal/oz). Interesting…

I can tell you that Sly Fox’s O’Reilly’s Stout is 3.6% abv. I’ll let you do the math to get the calorie content. I can also tell you that one of the most pleasant places in Manhattan to enjoy a sly Fox’s O’Reilly’s Stout is a place called The Blind Tiger (281 Bleecker Street, NY). Yes, this is the same place that every Wednesday for as long as some beer geeks remember, at around 1500 hrs, presents some of the most interesting “guest” beers available with the brewmaster usually in attendance. Many of the beers at these Wednesday events are one-offs or collections of kegs of beer that fit the exact definition of the word unique.

Yesterday, when I arrived there I learned that the kitchen has recently undergone a change of command. I had been expecting a selection of cheeses but was not disappointed in the quite-shareable trio: olive tapenade, hummus, red pepper pesto with warm toasted pita points.

 A Blind Tiger Light Lunc

The characteristic flavors of the Stout were enhanced by the tapenade, smoothed by the garlic in the hummus and challenged but not defeated by the red pepper pesto.

Beer session?

This particular session lasted at least 3 pints…

As I recall.