BJCP 2021 / 13A
Dark Mild
A dark, malty, low-alcohol session ale with easy drinkability.
- Drink fresh
- session strength
- dark color
- top fermented
- british isles
Serve: 50 to 55F, Nonic pint
OG1.120
1.030 to 1.038FG1.030
1.008 to 1.013IBU120
10 to 25SRM40
14 to 25ABV14%
3.0 to 3.8%Taste it in order
Aroma
12 pts- Toast, caramel and a hint of dark fruit
- Faint chocolate or coffee
- Almost no hop
- Vague
- Malty
- Better
- Toasty malt with a touch of fruit
- Best
- Low toasted bread, caramel and raisin aroma, faint chocolate, barely any hop
Appearance
3 pts- Dark amber to dark brown
- Clear to bright
- Tan head, small
- Vague
- Dark
- Better
- Deep brown and bright
- Best
- Dark amber to brown, bright with ruby highlights, thin tan head
Flavor
20 pts- Toasty, nutty and lightly sweet malt
- Faint dark fruit or chocolate
- Mild bitterness, soft finish
- Vague
- Malty
- Better
- Toast and caramel, soft finish
- Best
- Low to moderate toasted nut and caramel malt, faint chocolate and dark fruit, low bitterness, smooth off-dry finish
Mouthfeel
5 pts- Light to medium-light body
- Low carbonation
- Smooth despite the low strength
- Vague
- Light
- Better
- Light body, gentle
- Best
- Light to medium-light body, soft and smooth, low carbonation
Overall Impression
10 ptsLifts it
- Roundness at low gravity
- Smooth finish
Drops it
- Thin watery body
- Harsh roast
- Sourness
Writing tip
Judge flavor despite low gravity. Example: 'Toasty caramel with a smooth finish. Round malt for such a light beer.'
Pour these
- Black CatMoorhouse'sSmooth chocolate and caramel
- MildBanks'sLight malt and gentle dark fruit
Often confused with
- 13B British Brown AleBritish Brown Ale is stronger and nuttier
- 11A Ordinary BitterOrdinary Bitter is paler and hoppier
Fine here
- Diacetyl: A faint buttery trace is traditional
- Estery: Light dark-fruit esters fit
Ruinous here
- Sour/Acidic: Infection or old cask
- Oxidized: Stale bread
- Astringent: Harsh tannin
Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.