By Nicole Bayne
The juxtaposition of hot weather and football season makes a lighter, low alcohol beer the solution to long days of imbibing in the sultriness of September. While higher ABVs will keep you warm as the temperature drops, session beers let the sipping continue for longer. Old Bust Head Brewery specializes in session beers, or what the industry describes as beer with an ABV (alcohol by volume) of under 5 percent.
“Good beer is about balancing many good flavors and enjoying these flavors with alcohol [being] one small component,” says Charles King, brewmaster, managing partner and part owner of Old Bust Head. Ease your transition into fall with these low alcohol brews.
Here are seven session beers brewed in Northern Virginia.
BadWolf Brewing Company Responsibly, 3.8%
Manager Claire Ainsworth says this “lightly hopped saison” will help you stay refreshed for the remaining hot summer days. / 9776 Center St., Manassas
Blue & Gray Brewing Company Kirkland’s Kolsch, 5%
“Smooth like a lager, fruity like an ale,” says owner Jeffery Fitzpatrick. This authentic German summer beer is fermented at 58 degrees and only available until the end of September. / 3300 Dill Smith Drive, Fredericksburg
Capitol City Brewing Company The Solid Session IPA, 4.4%
“Flaked oats gives it a creamier feel,” says manager Claudia Gutierrez. This IPA is certainly mild, but you can still find the hops. / 4001 Campbell Ave., Arlington
Forge Brew Works Petite Saison, 3.6%
Saisons were brewed by farmers for their workers to drink back when water wasn’t safe. “They were designed to be refreshing and low in alcohol,” says brewer Dave Demers and this beer is certainly the embodiment of “light, clean and crisp.” Just like early fall weather. / 8532 Terminal Road, Lorton
Old Bust Head Brewing Company Pumpkin Ale, 4%
Released on September 3, this balanced ale is light with very subtle tastes and warm pumpkin and spice aromas. Brewer Owen Bitas says they add a little cherry wood-smoked malt for a “freshly baked pumpkin bread” note. / 7134 Lineweaver Road, Warrenton
Old Ox Brewery Alpha Ox, 4.5%
Brewer and co-owner Chris Burns says this session IPA has “balanced notes” for a season-end sip: citrus for summer nostalgia and pine for fall cravings all held together with a “pleasant malt backbone.” / 44652 Guilford Drive, Ashburn
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