English Dark Mild

Introduction – by Firkin Ron

The term beer style refers to a broad set of descriptors used to differentiate and categorize types of beers. Descriptors such as color, flavor, strength, ingredients, production method, recipe, history, and origin create the framework for establishing a beer style. And almost any time you buy a beer, the beer lists its style on the packaging. Why? To provide the buyer with a basic preview and understanding of the beer’s look, smell, taste and drinkability. Today there are hundreds of documented beer styles. Furthermore, a handful of organizations created their own unique classifications. However, the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) provides one of the most commonly used set of style guidelines. This week’s beer style overview features one of my favorites – English Dark Mild.

English Dark Mild – by Owen Ogletree

I love visiting the UK to taste cask ales in British pubs, and it’s always fun finding a fresh, well-made English Dark Mild. This subtle, elegant, malt-focused session ale has an alcohol range of around 3.0-4.0% ABV with delicious nuances of dark malt, chocolate, toffee, nuts, licorice and dark fruit – somewhat like a lower gravity Porter. Some call light-bodied Mild a little “watery,” but this is like calling a Yorkshire Terrier a bit small and hairy. It’s meant to be that way. The light alcohol and refreshing mouthfeel allow the tasty malt character to shine through in pint-after-pint.

Once considered an “old man’s drink,” Dark Mild is now finding a new audience and making bit of a comeback in England. When visiting the UK, be sure to seek out this style. In Georgia, Wrecking Bar Brewpub, Creature Comforts, Good Word Brewing & Public House, Akademia Brewing Company, Twain’s Brewpub & Billiards, Eventide Brewing and Southern Brewing Company have all made a version of Dark Mild.

 

About Owen Ogletree

Owen is founder/editor of Brewtopia LLC. In addition, he is columnist for Southern Brew News and Beer Connoisseur Magazine, lecturer at Knoxville’s Brewing & Distilling Center, founder/director of the Atlanta Cask Ale Tasting and Classic City Brew Fest, and a BJCP National Beer Judge. Owen has also served as a beer judge at the Great American Beer Festival and the Great British Beer Festival.