Does a session beer have to be below a specific ABV?

Question

Does anyone know if a "session beer" has to be below a specific ABV to qualify as a session beer?

Answer 1

Like many beer terms, "session beer" is not rigorously defined. Several groups have tried, though:

• The Brewers Association (PDF) called it 4.0-5.1% ABV
• Beer Advocate calls it less than 5%
• The Session Beer Project calls it 4.5%.

Really, though, if you call something a session beer, most people will understand that to mean something you could easily drink several of in a session (ie, lighter and more mild than a "big" beer).