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
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GABF Style Listing (2007)
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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.
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Original Gravity (ºPlato): -
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Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (ºPlato): -
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Alcohol by Weight (Volume): -
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Bitterness (IBU): -
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Color SRM (EBC): -
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