Every year in May, the Campaign for Real Ale holds a Mild ale month – where members are encouraged to try mild ale throughout the month.
Mild ale is a traditional beer style that originated here in England. It’s a type of low-alcohol beer that’s known for its dark, malty flavour and low bitterness. Mild ale is typically dark brown in colour and has a relatively low alcohol content, usually around 3-4% ABV.
The origins of mild ale can be traced back to the 17th century when ale was the most popular beer in England. Early milds were much stronger than modern versions, which tend to fall into the 3% to 3.5% category, though a number of brewers are bringing strength back into style. Mild is usually dark brown in colour, due to the use of well-roasted malts or roasted barley.
Mild ale gets its flavor and color from the use of darker malts, such as crystal and chocolate malts, during the brewing process. These malts give the beer its characteristic dark colour and contribute to its rich, malty flavour. Mild ale is also typically brewed using a low hop content, which means that it has a low bitterness and a relatively sweet taste.
Today, mild ale is not as popular as it once was, and it’s largely been replaced by other beer styles, such as pale ale and IPA. However, it still has a dedicated following among beer enthusiasts, particularly in the UK, where it’s considered a part of the country’s brewing heritage.
In May of each year, CAMRA organises the Mild in May event to celebrate and promote the consumption of mild ale. The event encourages pubs and breweries to showcase their mild ale offerings and encourages beer enthusiasts to try this classic beer style.
The aim of the Mild in May is to raise awareness of mild ale and to encourage more people to try it and appreciate its unique flavor and history.
This year, the Wolverhampton branch of CAMRA is hosting the West Midlands CAMRA Regional Mild Trail – a trail organised with the aim of visiting venues in the area that either regularly serve Mild ale, or have brought some in especially for Mild in May. The event will take place on 13 May – the details and map can be found here.
