The Six Session Beers of Session Beer Day, 2016 (Ch. 4): Against the Grain Neckhole or Sho'Nuff.

4th of 6 previews.

Previously:

The Six Session Beers of Session Beer Day, 2016 (Ch. 1): Falls City Kentucky Common.
The Six Session Beers of Session Beer Day, 2016 (Ch. 2): Gordon Biersch Golden Export.
The Six Session Beers of Session Beer Day, 2016 (Ch. 3): Bluegrass Brewing Company Altbier.

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Thursday, April 7 is Session Beer Day 2016 ... and since it's one of my favorite holidays of the year, I'll be celebrating it.

Join me on a Session Beer Day Brewery Crawl on Thursday, April 7.

On April 7, I'll start before lunch (circa 11:00 a.m.) and traverse downtown Louisville on foot, walking from brewery to brewery and having a session beer at each. Most usually have at least one 4.5% choice on draft. The brewery list, traveling roughly west to east, would be: Falls City (Over the 9), Gordon Biersch, BBC 3rd Street, Against the Grain, Goodwood and Akasha.

For all intents and purposes, session beer consciousness as we know it today originates with Lew Bryson's Session Beer Project.

For our purposes, 'session beer' is defined as a beer that is:

• 4.5% alcohol by volume or less
• flavorful enough to be interesting
• balanced enough for multiple pints
• conducive to conversation
• reasonably priced

What can be said about Against the Grain that Against the Grain hasn't already said about itself? Well, there's this: In spite of the brewery's image as purveyor of crazed liquid extremities, it maintains a Session tap at its Slugger Field headquarters at all times.

Wanna drink some beer? No more should the light beer drinker fear craft brewed beers! At AtG we brew a beer for the session drinker, the light beer drinker, and simply, the new beer drinker. Our session beers typically contain no higher than 5 percent ABV, and feature a balance between malt and hop characters (ingredients) and, typically, a clean finish - a combination of which creates a beer with high drinkability. In short, one that does what it should. Our session beers are light bodied, delicious, and thirst quenching. Come on in and Drink up!

The AtG website currently lists two choices. Either of them works for me, although I lean toward the Belgian.

“NECKHOLE AMERICAN LAGER”

My advice to you is to start drinking heavily.

We remember the good ol' days, when beers were beers and titties were real. Ya know? With the good tan lines on 'em? Those were the days, and this beer takes ya there. Two-row American Pilsner malt and a hint of Munich malt lend a light, bready body. With just enough Citra to balance and add a hint of fruit, it's easy-drinking. It's uncomplicated. Don't over-think it, just pour it down your neckhole.

ABV: 4.8%
IBU: 70.2
OG: 11.0P

Ironically, I used to work for a brewery that produced a 4% "Tafelbier." It'd be nice to taste another version. By this point in the walk, it may be necessary to procure some pork belly on a stick.

“SHO'NUFF”

The Beer For Bad Mo-Fo's

This Belgian table bier is a traditional entry into the Session category. It is meant to be consumed with food but also stands well on its own. When you need to drink the whole meal and want something with plenty of flavor but don’t want to get shit-twisted from the alcohol, this is a great choice. Look for a smooth malty body with hints of biscuit and rye. The hops are subdued and mostly present as a bittering agent. The yeast plays a prominent role in creating bready and lightly fruity notes.

ABV: 4.0%
IBU: 13.5
OG: 10.8P

From Against the Grain, it's a long block east on Main to Goodwood Brewing Company.

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