Specialty Session Beer

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Just as a brewer can make a Specialty Imperial Beer by brewing any style to a stronger than usual starting gravity, a Specialty Session Beer can be brewed by reducing the starting gravity of a style. These beers are uncommon in homebrew circles, but the GABF guidelines do recognize a category of commercial beer brewed to lower than usual gravity. These beers are especially common in certain parts of the United States where the sale of beer with more than a certain low level of alcohol, often is restricted or forbidden. This level is often 3.2% alcohol by weight, which equates to about 4% alcohol by volume.

Competition guidelines

In BJCP competitions, these beers should be entered as Specialty Beers. However, the GABF guidelines contain a special designation for beers brewed to a lower strength than usual ("3.2" or below).

GABF Style Listings

Other Low Strength Ale or Lager

10. Other Low Strength Ale or Lager
GABF Style Listing (2007)
Any style of beer can be made lower in strength than described in the classic style guidelines. The goal should be to reach a balance between the style's character and the lower alcohol content. Beers entered in this category should not exceed 4.1% by volume (3.3% by weight). The brewer must provide the base style that is being created lower in alcohol and/or appropriately identify the style created (for example: half-alt, singlefest or baby bock). Beer entries not accompanied by this information will be at a disadvantage during judging.
Original Gravity (ºPlato): -
Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (ºPlato): -
Alcohol by Weight (Volume): -
Bitterness (IBU): -
Color SRM (EBC): -
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