BJCP 13A · Brown British Beer
Dark Mild
A dark, low-alcohol British ale with caramel malt, hints of chocolate and low bitterness. A smooth session beer with more flavor than it lets on.
Dark Mild by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 3.0 – 3.8%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 10 – 25 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 14 – 25 SRM28–49 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.030 – 1.038on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.008 – 1.013on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What Dark Mild is like
A dark, low-gravity ale with the spotlight on the malt. It has notes of caramel, toffee, chocolate or gentle roast and restrained bitterness. Despite the low alcohol, it shouldn't taste watery.
Appearance
Copper to dark brown, often with ruby highlights, and good clarity. Cream to tan head with low to moderate retention.
Aroma
Malt with caramel, toffee, chocolate, licorice or soft coffee, plus some dark fruit from the yeast. The hops are barely noticeable.
Flavor
Malt up front with caramel, biscuit, chocolate and a light roast. Bitterness is low and the finish can range from dry to slightly sweet. Light fruity esters such as plum or raisin may show up.
Mouthfeel
Light to medium body, more than its gravity suggests, thanks to the specialty malts and some dextrins. Low to moderate carbonation, no alcohol warmth.
Where Dark Mild comes from
For much of the 20th century, mild was the most popular beer in British pubs, especially in working-class and industrial areas. It used to be much stronger; it lost gravity through the wars and taxes until it reached its current form.
Ingredients
A base of English pale ale malt with small amounts of crystal, chocolate or black malt, and sometimes invert sugar or dark syrups. English hops such as Fuggle or East Kent Goldings in modest amounts, and a fruity English yeast.
Brew it yourself
How to brew Dark Mild at home
Mash at 67-69 °C (153-156 °F) to leave dextrins so it doesn't taste thin at such a low gravity. Ferment at 18-20 °C (64-68 °F) with a well-flocculating English yeast and carbonate low, between 1.5 and 2 volumes. The classic mistake is overdoing the black malt so the roast dominates the caramel.
Food pairing
Goes well with meat pie, grilled sausages or mild cheddar.
Glassware: nonic pint glass, the classic pub glass, made for long drinks.
Classic examples
- Moorhouse's Black Cat
- Brains Dark
Frequently asked questions
How strong is Dark Mild?
Between 3.0% and 3.8% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a low strength.
How bitter is Dark Mild?
It has 10 to 25 IBUs, a low bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is Dark Mild?
Copper to dark brown: 14 to 25 SRM (28 to 49 EBC).
What food pairs well with Dark Mild?
Goes well with meat pie, grilled sausages or mild cheddar.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try British Brown Ale and Scottish Light.
If you like Dark Mild, try these
Classification and statistics: official Dark Mild guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.