Low-ABV British Dark Mild
A Low-ABV British Dark Mild is the quintessential session ale. While rich in malt flavour, it’s still light enough in body for extended evenings of enjoyment. A working class beer from England’s industrial heartland, the style is known for its deep dark brown to black hue, a gentle bitterness, and thirst quenching malt character.
This recipe emphasizes that malt character with a foundation of Maris Otter malt, complemented by layers of sweet caramel, toast, biscuit, and subtle chocolate notes. It’s at home in your friendly local taproom as it is in a social pub setting alongside snacks and food.
At just 2.43% ABV, it pushes the lower limits of an already sessionable style while still delivering a satisfying complexity of flavour leaving you saying, “just one more.”
Key Statistics
- Est. ABV: 2.43%
- Original Gravity: 6.25° P
- Final Gravity: 1.5° P
- IBU: 12–15
- Color: Dark Brown
- Brewhouse Efficiency: 80%
- Mash L:G Ratio: 3:1
Grains
92% Simpsons Maris Otter
8% Simpsons Caramalt
4% Simpsons Export Brown
4% Simpsons Chocolate Malt
Mash Profile
70°C: 45 min
76°C: 5 min
Hops
60 min: East Kent Goldings | 10 IBU
10 min: East Kent Goldings | 5 IBU
Yeast
- Pitch Rate: 0.65 g/L
Brewer’s Notes
When brewing a Mild, balance is key. No need to push for a higher ABV or feel like heavier hopping, or dry hopping is beneficial. Good brewhouse management, malt quality and fermentation control are critical. Avoid over sparging to prevent astringency with darker grains in such a minimal malt bill. The higher mash temperature encourages dextrin formation, enhancing body and mouthfeel in this low-gravity beer.
East Kent Goldings provides soft bitterness with subtle floral and spice that is present and not overpowering. Fermentis SafAle™ S-04 will ferment pretty cleanly, aside from a slight fruity ester, which complements the style perfectly. Serve the beer at cellar temperature and moderate carbonation to evoke a traditional cask-conditioned mild really allowing the malt to open up and shine.