English Mild is a style that is belived to be derived from Porter
and Brown Ale.
It's typically a beer from the Black Country in the English
Midlands. It is a very satisfying darker beer.
There are variouse versions of English Mild. My favorite style being
the Dark 'N Mild. It tends to be as dark as Guiness. It has a nice
sweetness from the use of genrous amounts of English Mild malt. Also
usually a good dose of dark sweet Crystal Malt.
The BJCP has classified English Mild as a sub category of Brown Ale.
(BJCP 10A, 11A English Mild)
There arent any known examples of this style in the US. To try this
style you either need to find a brew pub that has made it. Or make it
yourself.
11A. Mild
Aroma: Low to moderate malt aroma, and may have some fruitiness. The
malt expression can take on a wide range of character, which can
include caramelly, grainy, toasted, nutty, chocolate, or lightly
roasted. Little to no hop aroma. Very low to no diacetyl.
Appearance: Copper to dark brown or mahogany color. A few paler
examples (medium amber to light brown) exist. Generally clear, although
is traditionally unfiltered. Low to moderate off-white to tan head.
Retention may be poor due to low carbonation, adjunct use and low
gravity.
Flavor: Generally a malty beer, although may have a very wide range
of malt- and yeast-based flavors (e.g., malty, sweet, caramel, toffee,
toast, nutty, chocolate, coffee, roast, vinous, fruit, licorice,
molasses, plum, raisin). Can finish sweet or dry. Versions with darker
malts may have a dry, roasted finish. Low to moderate bitterness,
enough to provide some balance but not enough to overpower the malt.
Fruity esters moderate to none. Diacetyl and hop flavor low to
none.
Mouthfeel: Light to medium body. Generally low to medium-low
carbonation. Roast-based versions may have a light astringency. Sweeter
versions may seem to have a rather full mouthfeel for the gravity.
Overall Impression: A light-flavored, malt-accented beer that is
readily suited to drinking in quantity. Refreshing, yet flavorful. Some
versions may seem like lower gravity brown porters.
History: May have evolved as one of the elements of early porters.
In modern terms, the name "mild" refers to the relative lack of hop
bitterness (i.e. less hoppy than a pale ale, and not so strong).
Originally, the "mildness" may have referred to the fact that this beer
was young and did not yet have the moderate sourness that aged batches
had. Somewhat rare in England, good versions may still be found in the
Midlands around Birmingham.
Comments: Most are low-gravity session beers, although some versions
may be made in the stronger (4%+) range for export, festivals, seasonal
and/or special occasions. Generally served on cask; session-strength
bottled versions don't often travel well. A wide range of
interpretations are possible.
Ingredients: Pale English base malts (often fairly dextrinous),
crystal and darker malts should comprise the grist. May use sugar
adjuncts. English hop varieties would be most suitable, though their
character is muted. Characterful English ale yeast.
Again my favorite style of Mild is the Dark 'N Mild. I really enjoy
this beer ice cold.
Dark, deep and sweet and flavourful. Also needs the use of good
English hops. The better of English Milds will have at least a O.G of
1.035.