Writer: Paul Crowther
Mild By Name, Mild By Nature
Digital and Plus Members OnlyEnglish mild has been around for hundreds of years, yet it can still be a difficult style to put a finger on. That may be due to no single characteristic jumping out of the glass or the fact it has undergone numerous iterations throughout history. An Englishman explains why those beyond the U.K. should be taking a closer look at the humble mild. Plus: Four mild clone recipes from the U.K.
Cross Borders Brewing Co. & Dark Star Brewing Co.’s Intergalactic Mild clone
Digital and Plus Members OnlyCross Borders Brewing Co. & Dark Star Brewing Co.’s Intergalactic Mild clone (5 gallons/19 L, all-grain)OG = 1.061 FG = 1.015IBU = 25 SRM = 22 ABV = 6.1% This recipe represents the hybrid mild. Brewed using Nottingham yeast for its strong attenuation for the higher gravity. This beer has a strength more akin to heritage mild but
Steam Machine Brewing Co.’s Imperial Honeyed Mild clone
Digital and Plus Members OnlySteam Machine Brewing Co.’s Imperial Honeyed Mild clone (5 gallons/19 L, all-grain)OG = 1.079 FG = 1.013IBU = 32.5 SRM = 5.7 ABV = 8.7% This is a good example of a modern homage to the heritage mild. Nick Smith at Steam Machine told me he was inspired by reading Ron Pattinson’s blogs and seeing heritage mild
Thornbridge Brewery & Bundobust Brewery’s Dark Mild clone
Digital and Plus Members OnlyThornbridge Brewery & Bundobust Brewery’s Dark Mild clone (5 gallons/19 L, all-grain)OG = 1.039 FG = 1.010IBU = 25 SRM = 23 ABV = 3.8% A bit more chocolate malt than you’d usually see in a traditional mild makes this collaboration beer unique (though you’d lose points from a BJCP judge). Dominic Driscoll, Production Manager at Thornbridge,
Elusive Brewing’s Microball clone
Digital and Plus Members OnlyElusive Brewing’s Microball clone (5 gallons/19 L, all-grain)OG = 1.041 FG = 1.013IBU = 16 SRM = 18 ABV = 3.7% This is a great example of how to build the grain bill without relying on chocolate or black malt. A blend of dark crystal malts gives this recipe that classic malty mild flavor. Andy Parker,
The Queen’s Mead
Digital and Plus Members OnlyBitten by the meadmaking bug during the pandemic, Paul Crowther set out to make a historic mead. Not just any mead steeped in history, but one said to have been enjoyed by Queen Elizabeth I and possibly created by ancient Celts who occupied Britain more than 1,000 years earlier. Learn about the history and techniques to create this mead yourself.
The Queen’s Mead Recipe
Digital and Plus Members OnlyOG = 1.073 FG = 0.998 ABV = 9.8% Bitten by the meadmaking bug during the pandemic, Paul Crowther set out to make a historic mead. Not just any mead steeped in history, but one said to have been enjoyed by Queen Elizabeth I and possibly created by ancient Celts who occupied Britain more than
Classic British Hops
Digital and Plus Members OnlyThey are the staple to your favorite English ales, however these classic British hops can fit nicely into a broader range of beers. Re-familiarize yourself with varieties from the landrace era like Fuggle and East Kent Golding to those bred in the 20th century such as Brewers Gold and Challenger.
Landrace ESB
Digital and Plus Members OnlyAn English ESB utilizing classic English landrace hops.
Wye Hopped Summer Ale
Digital and Plus Members OnlyA refreshing summer ale brewed with English hops developed during the Wye College era.
Gruit Ale
Digital and Plus Members OnlyAlthough technically with no hops this beer is 0 IBUs, the rosemary and yarrow will impart a pronounced herbal bitterness.
Into the Heislerverse
FREEIt has survived alien, robot, and zombie apocalypses, been thrown back at local watering holes, and taken up space in fridges across the globe. Learn about Hollywood’s favorite fictional beer brand through a homebrewer’s quest to brew the real thing.