Greene King has thrown its weight behind a growing movement in beer: sessionability. As no- and low-alcohol categories continue to grow, beers that can be enjoyed repeatedly over the course of an evening—known as session beers—are quickly gaining favour among modern drinkers seeking balance over strength.

David Spencer, head of marketing for the Old Speckled Hen range at the Bury St Edmunds-based Greene King Brewery, noted that this trend is shaping the future of beer. “In terms of moderation and sessionability, we are seeing this across the category,” Spencer told The Drinks Business, adding that the shift is reflected in both the rise of alcohol-free beers and lower-ABV traditional ales.

Lighter styles make up a growing share of the market

Supporting this view, Spencer cited data from Nielsen Scantrack, which shows that in 2024, 17.8% of traditional ale value has come from beers with an ABV of 3.5% or lower. “This exemplifies the growing desire for those sessional beers,” he explained, adding that the trend underscores a clear “need for brewers to consider their range to complement this.”

In response, Greene King has expanded its flagship range with a new release—Old Session Hen. This 3.4% ABV golden ale is a sessionable take on the classic Old Speckled Hen brand, designed specifically for easy drinking while retaining character and quality.

Old Session Hen hits shelves with flavourful balance

Brewed with British-grown Harlequin and Cascade hops, Old Session Hen offers a crisp, golden pour with subtle fruitiness and a refreshing finish. It’s being launched exclusively through Morrisons supermarkets in 500ml bottles, priced at £1 during promotional periods, and is also available via Greene King’s webshop.

Spencer said the beer is already being well received: “Tapping into this trend, we wanted to expand the Old Speckled Hen range with an ale that really hit this drinking preference—and so Old Session Hen was born.”

By aligning with the moderation movement, Greene King is embracing the shift toward lighter, more accessible beers without sacrificing the traditional appeal of British ale.

British hops and brewing balance

The launch also follows commentary from independent Yorkshire brewer T&R Theakston, which last October spoke out about Britain’s unique positioning in the beer world. Theakston highlighted that British-grown hops, shaped by the country’s mild climate and consistent rainfall, offer a natural balance and aroma that stand apart from the bolder, more “aggressive” flavours found in many New World hop varieties.

Theakston’s perspective reinforces the growing sentiment that drinkers are now seeking flavour, not just intensity, in their beer choices. This makes lower-ABV and session-friendly beers—like Old Session Hen—particularly appealing to a demographic prioritising drinkability, variety, and responsible enjoyment.

As beer continues to evolve alongside modern tastes and lifestyles, the rise of sessionable styles points to a broader shift in how people approach their pints: with moderation, balance, and an eye toward enjoying more with less.