North Island Beer to Release Seasonal Session IPA on May 1
North Island Beer in Ebetsu, Hokkaido, released its seasonal "SESSION I.P.A." on May 1. Featured on the official website as a seasonal item for May and June, it is drawing attention for balancing easy drinkability with hop character as early summer approaches.
Hop BroIt looks like the seasonal SESSION I.P.A. came out on May 1. It feels like a perfect early-summer beer from North Island Beer in Ebetsu, Hokkaido.
MugiWait, what is a session IPA? IPA is supposed to be easy to drink? Isn't that a contradiction?
Hop BroThat’s the interesting part. It keeps the hop aroma and bitterness of an IPA, while lowering the alcohol content so it drinks lightly.
MugiI see, but "session" sounds a little scary, like workout reps!
Hop BroNo, no. In the beer world, it means something you can drink for a long time. It’s not too heavy and not too thin, so it’s just right for the time of year when the weather starts getting warmer.
MugiThat sounds perfect for an early-summer afternoon! What kind of brewery is North Island Beer?
Hop BroIt’s a brewery started by brewers who trained in Canada, and they really value the idea of Beer is Art. They’re also known for a weizen made with Ebetsu-grown wheat and limited beers using Hokkaido-grown hops.
MugiWow, they even use wheat from Ebetsu? They really love their local ingredients!
Hop BroExactly. Because they make the most of local ingredients, this SESSION I.P.A. should also carry a distinctly Hokkaido character.
MugiNow I can practically feel the fizz! This is definitely one I’d want to chill and drink as a beer for May!
Seasonal Session IPA Arrives
North Island Beer, the craft brewery in Ebetsu, Hokkaido, announced the release of its seasonal beer "SESSION I.P.A." on May 1. On the official website lineup, this label is also introduced as a seasonal item for May and June, positioning it as a standard early-summer seasonal beer.
Session IPA is a style that keeps the hop aroma and bitterness characteristic of IPA while lowering the alcohol content to make it easier to drink. It is a good choice for beer fans looking for a brew that isn't too heavy, but not too thin either, as temperatures begin to rise. At North Island Beer as well, the brewery has adopted a policy of brewing limited beers on a month-by-month basis, offering ways to enjoy beer according to the season.
The brewery was started by brewers who trained in Canada and is known for carrying on the idea of "Beer is Art." Its beers also feature local ingredients, such as a weizen made with wheat from Ebetsu and limited beers that make use of Hokkaido-grown hops. Against the backdrop of the character of Hokkaido craft beer, this SESSION I.P.A. also seems likely to be enjoyed as a beer suited to the changing of the seasons.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroIt looks like the seasonal SESSION I.P.A. came out on May 1. It feels like a perfect early-summer beer from North Island Beer in Ebetsu, Hokkaido.
MugiWait, what is a session IPA? IPA is supposed to be easy to drink? Isn't that a contradiction?
Hop BroThat’s the interesting part. It keeps the hop aroma and bitterness of an IPA, while lowering the alcohol content so it drinks lightly.
MugiI see, but "session" sounds a little scary, like workout reps!
Hop BroNo, no. In the beer world, it means something you can drink for a long time. It’s not too heavy and not too thin, so it’s just right for the time of year when the weather starts getting warmer.
MugiThat sounds perfect for an early-summer afternoon! What kind of brewery is North Island Beer?
Hop BroIt’s a brewery started by brewers who trained in Canada, and they really value the idea of Beer is Art. They’re also known for a weizen made with Ebetsu-grown wheat and limited beers using Hokkaido-grown hops.
MugiWow, they even use wheat from Ebetsu? They really love their local ingredients!
Hop BroExactly. Because they make the most of local ingredients, this SESSION I.P.A. should also carry a distinctly Hokkaido character.
MugiNow I can practically feel the fizz! This is definitely one I’d want to chill and drink as a beer for May!
