Best Dark Mild?

I was going to reply with exactly what I replied on page 1. This thread's been going awhile.

And I'll repeat, wish we had more in Boston. Arguably one of my favorite styles, even though I've had so few.

 

Was just reading that piece in Zymurgy and noticed that one of the judges pointed out it might "do better as an 11c Northern English Brown Ale." Was thus wondering how our UK BAs think it compares to their cask dark mild.

 

I think for this type of beer (in the bottle), the level of carbonation is crucial (most definitely there, but soft and gentle). Emley Moor's was perfect...I've never met anyone who has had this one, though. I suspect that American brewers have the ability to make superb milds.

 

Absolutely. I just find that the dark milds I have brewed -- as well as the ones I have consumed in the UK -- are a bit of a hard sell here in the U.S. "craft" scene. Most of the people that tried my 3.2 ABV mild (brewed with English Maris Otter and English Kent Goldings) felt like it needed "more." I said, "If I add more malt, I will no longer have a mild, but a brown ale." Just wondering if for the U.S. market a place like Yards may have experienced the same thing and amped things up a bit. At least one of the reviewers in the current issue of Zymurgy seems to think so; ultimately I guess I'd need to try it fresh to see for myself how it compares to what I drank in the UK. Or e-mail the folks at Yards...

 

Yes, the quote from one of the four judges concerning Yards Brawler made a statement of “…might do better as an 11c Northern English Brown Ale.” None of the other three judges made statements in that regard. I am by no means a Grand Master+ judge, plus I have had Yards Brawler on cask more so than by bottle, but is tastes like a Dark Mild Ale to me.

Cheers!

 

Notch Cerne Pivo is the best, followed by Harpoon Dark. Saranac Black Forest is also good

 

My homebrewed 3% dark mild followed by Dry Docks SS Minnow.

 

Surly Mild and Short's Earl of Brixom.

 

Yes, I'm sure many American beer drinkers would dismiss milds as being 'thin' and bland ('it didn't wow me'). Many also seem to have trouble with British hops (perhaps not even recognizing this kind of 'hoppiness' as 'hoppiness'). The problem with this type of beer is that there isn't the immediate hit of intense flavour, which many now understand as being an important criterion for a beer to be considered good.

 

Did you have a chance to try the Pretty Things X Ale 22nd February 1945? I though it was awesome and spot on for the style. 2.8% ABV and packed in some very nice flavor. It was seemingly over shadowed by the English Strong Ale of the same name/different date. Sadly, if the flavors aren't beating you over the head the enjoyment of the beer seems to go down for the majority of the craft community today.

 

None of these are English Dark Milds. In fact, the only one that is session strength (not that they HAVE to be) is the Notch Cerne Pivo, and that's a lager.

 

Look forward to hearing your take. Cheers!

 

Apparently I did, almost exactly 2 years ago. I wonder if it was just a one-off, my review seems to think it was pretty decent and I wouldn't mind trying it again.

FWIW, I rated the stronger version (the 1838 7.4% version) lower than the 2.8% version. Interesting.

Dope

 

I really wish that this style was more available in the US. anyone with some suggestions around the Chicago area?

 

Ron, it is a shame that you aren’t visiting later. Yards will be conducting their annual Real Ale Festival on April 6th. (I bought tickets last night). They assemble a nice assortment of cask ales (including several British imports) every year.

I hope you enjoy your visit to the Yards tasting room. The ESA (on cask) is a tasty beer as well.

Cheers!

Jack

 

You're correct. I just lazily used the BA category.