It allowed English factory workers to drink on the job during two daily sessions. The workers would have low-ABV beers so they weren't stumbling back onto the job, hence the terminology “session beer.” Others say session simply refers to a long stay at the bar.

What makes it a session beer?

“Session” is basically an adjective used to describe a beer that is: lower in alcohol (generally under 4 or 5% ABV) and high in refreshment. Generally, it applies to beers that are not too filling. These beers also tend not to be too anything. They're not too bitter, not too hoppy, not too malty.

What does the term session mean in beer?

In short, a Session Beer is a beer that contains no more than 5% ABV and features a balance between hop and malt characters and finishes crisp and clean. Session Beers are known to have a “high drinkability”.