Mild is an old style of beer which sadly has gained a reputation of being an “old persons” drink. Nothing could be further from the truth. Mild is a beer for people who enjoy a range of subtle flavours, and for those who prefer a lower strength beer. Mild should be part of a healthy lifestyle choice.
‘Mild’ used to mean fresh and reflected the fact that the beer was not aged for as long as some other beers. It had little to do with strength. There are two types of mild: Dark Mild, and Light or Pale Mild, and the colour of a Mild can range from Black, though dark brown to pale amber or even gold. Scottish 60 Shillings or Scottish Light beer fits into the Mild beer category, and these are usually dark brown to black in colour. Mild beers are usually light drinking and not very hoppy.
Pale Milds.
These beers differ from Bitters and Pale Ales in that they are lightly hopped and may have a light fruit character. They are malty and the beer may be sweet with a little butterscotch or toffee (diacetyl). Colour: Pale amber or even gold.
Dark Milds.
Dark Milds are frequently sweet with a light bitterness. The dominant flavour is of malt and roasted notes of chocolate, coffee and liquorice are often noticeable. Caramel and butterscotch or toffee (diacetyl) may also be present. Colour: Dark brown to black.
Scottish 60 Shillings or Scottish Light.
The dominant flavour should be malt and butterscotch/toffee (diacetyl) may also be present. As with the other Milds, they are lightly hopped. Butterscotch or toffee (diacetyl) may also be present. The ‘Shilling’s in the name refers to a mid-19th century pricing system for barrels or casks of ale. Colour: Dark brown to black.
Now that we can start returning to pubs and bars for our beer, keep an eye open for Mild, try one (or more) and help CAMRA celebrate Mild Month.
