Home > Belgian Session brewed by the Boston Beer Company - Boston, MA
Belgian Session brewed by the Boston Beer Company - Boston, MA
Belgian Session brewed
by the Boston Beer Company - Boston, Massachusetts
Samuel
Adams Belgian Session takes a traditional Belgian beer and brews it
with a twist to create a crisp, lighter version of this classic
style. This limited-release is specially brewed to be light and
refreshing for the summer. Fruity, slightly spicy flavors from the
Belgian yeast are balanced by toffee and caramel notes from our
blend of malts. The hops contribute a citrus character that rounds
out this enjoyable brew.
History
Our Belgian Session combines two brewing styles—Belgian and Session. Our base
beer is most similar to a Belgian pale ale. While history tells us this style
has been brewed for centuries, Belgian pale ales really emerged during World War
II as an alternative to pilsners. Balance is key to this style with a mix of
light malt notes and a subtle hop bitterness. A top-fermenting Belgian yeast is
used to impart the traditional fruity and spicy Belgian character. Today,
Belgian pale ales are most often found in the Belgian provinces of Antwerp and
Brabant.
The session aspect of this beer speaks to its drinkability. A session beer is
one that is brewed to be lower in alcohol and enjoyed over a period of time
(during a drinking session). No one flavor character or ingredient dominates. We
wanted our Belgian Session to be enjoyed during long summer days without
overwhelming the senses. The light, crisp, refreshing character of this beer
makes it a perfect summer session beer.
Brewing
Samuel Adams Belgian Session is a Belgian ale, which means we use a
Belgian yeast during the brewing process. This yeast contributes
traditional Belgian characters of fruit and spice that come through
in the aroma, flavor, and finish of the beer. The most distinctive
of these Belgian notes is clove.
Our blend of malts nicely balances this Belgian character with a
toffee and caramel flavor and a hint of malty sweetness in the
aroma. We also brew this beer with Hallertau Mittelfrueh Noble hops,
for a subtle floral aroma, and American Ahtanum hops, which
contribute a nice citrus note to round out the flavor and finish of
this beer.
What makes this beer particularly unique is the session aspect.
Brewed at an alcohol level of 4.3% by volume, this beer is lighter
and crisper than a traditional Belgian beer making it refreshing and
easy to drink.
Beer Stats
Flavor: Crisp and refreshing with distinct Belgian character of
fruit and spice notes
Color: 8 SRM
Original Gravity: 10.7°
Alcohol by Vol/Wt: 4.3%ABV - 3.4%ABW
Calories/12 oz.: 141 (per 12oz.)
IBUs: 16
Malt Varieties: Samuel Adams® pale malt blend, Gambrinus honey malt
Hop Variety: Hallertau Mittelfrueh Noble hops, Ahtanum, and
Strisselspalt
Yeast Strain: Belgian ale yeast
